For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
After the great river miracle, God tells His people to build something so they'll never, ever forget.
Today's Story
After all of Israel had crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, God gave Joshua a special instruction. “Choose twelve men, one from each tribe. Have each one pick up a large stone from the middle of the dry riverbed, where the priests stood.”
So twelve men carried twelve big stones out of the river. And Joshua stacked them up into a special pile, a “memorial,” at the place where they camped.
“Why these stones?” Joshua said. “So that in the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ you can tell them the wonderful story: ‘This is where God stopped the Jordan River so we could cross on dry ground!’ These stones will help us remember forever what God did.”
God knew that people can forget, even big miracles. So the stones would be a reminder, passed down to children and grandchildren, telling everyone how great and powerful God is.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- The stones helped the people remember God's miracle. What helps YOU remember the good things God has done?
- When children asked, “What do these stones mean?” parents got to tell God's story. Who can you tell about what God has done?
- God knew people forget, so He gave reminders. Why is remembering so important?