Markers in our Life

 

Joshua 4: 8 - 10

 

 And the people of Israel did just as Joshua commanded and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, just as the Lord told Joshua. And they carried them over with them to the place where they lodged and laid them down there.   And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant had stood; and they are there to this day.   For the priests bearing the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished that the Lord commanded Joshua to tell the people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua.

 

I’m not a pastor but I do have the gift of an exhorter and a person with that gift wants to see those they are addressing take action on what has been taught.  I believe that is the heart desire of most pastors, and so when one reads “And the people of Israel did just as Joshua commanded,” it must move a pastor to dream of such a day.

 

It was of interest that the 12 men picked up very large stones and brought them to where they lodged and laid them down.  And it was Joshua that took 12 stones and placed them where the priest that carried the Ark stood in the midst of the Jordan.

 

The priest stood in the middle of the Jordan till all the nation had crossed over and till Joshua had been commanded by God to tell the people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua.  I have no doubt it had been a very long day for the priest, and yet they were faithful to all that Joshua had told them to do.

 

My pastor has often said, he believes there is a source at the doors going out of the building that wipes the word preached to us as we leave the building.  My dear friend Carroll Ray Jr. often said, we are equipped with preacher filters that tell us, that is what preachers are supposed to say, and we dismiss it.  If you and I allow Channel One (the deceptive channel to process into our mind) we will not choose to pick up the stones that are needed for markers. If we choose to turn it off and listen to Channel Two ( the Holy Spirit.)  When we make the choice to apply the teaching of Scripture we will have the markers needed to do God’s will.

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice