Challenge Central: a CBC devotional
By: John Kerr
I love a meme I saw on Facebook stating boldly: “Grampa knows everything; what he doesn’t know, he makes up!”
You are blessed if you had a grandpa like that. I used to sit at my grandfather’s feet (literally) as we sat in front of the fireplace, listening to stories of the Glasgow in which he grew up. From the poverty of life in the tenements to the beauty of Loch Lomond, I listened enthralled, even if I had heard them several times.
Story is part of community. It connects generations and brings a context to life. In many cultures that don’t have a written tradition, an oral retelling of history is important. The Bible is full of wonderful stories that connect present generations with those who came before. The Pentateuch established rules for community and recounts the progress of God’s people. From creation to crossing the Jordan River, the people of God had an accurate record of their history.
After the people had crossed the Jordan River, Joshua instructed them to take 12 stones from the riverbed and make a monument to the Lord at the site of their first camp in the promised land, “that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those mean to you?” then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord … So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.” (Joshua 4:6,7)
With this visual reminder, when children would ask, “what do these stones mean?” fathers and grandfathers would be able to rehearse the exploits of God as he led them out of Egypt, through the wilderness and finally into the promised land. Every generation would be connected to the previous ones by the retelling of this incredible story.
Likewise, we have been entrusted with the stories of how God has worked in our lives. Tell your children and grandchildren how God saved you, has led and provided for you. Be ready to tell exciting stories of your God.
It’s history now. It is up to me to tell the next generation of the world as I knew it, but with a twist, listen to how God worked in my life. These are my memorial stones.
