YOU HAVE ABSOLUTE EVIDENCE(PART 2)

December 16, 2024
By Dr Freda Folabi Solomons

TEXT: JOSHUA 1:4, 4:1-7

Connecting Joshua 1:4 and Joshua 4 helps deepen our understanding of the absolute evidence of God’s faithfulness and how it empowers us to walk in the promises He has made. In Joshua 1:4, the specific promise of territorial boundaries for the Israelites was given to Joshua by God. This was a promise based on His prior faithfulness. But in Joshua 4, God takes the concept of evidence even further by instructing Joshua to set up a memorial of 12 stones, which serve as an everlasting reminder of His miraculous intervention.

The stones were to serve as a physical, visible reminder of the moment God had stopped the waters of the Jordan so the Israelites could cross on dry ground. These stones would stand as a monument to God’s miraculous provision and unwavering faithfulness to His people.

Joshua 4:6-7 says:“When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do these stones 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. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.” (ESV).

This memorial served as evidence of God’s work in their lives—proof of His power, promises, sovereignty, and ability to deliver them into the land He had sworn to give them. The stones were not merely historical pointers; they were tangible reminders of God’s past dependability, meant to inspire their faith in the present and future. Never become too complacent about sharing your stories and testimonies with others; this might be a beacon of hope for another person because, in time to come, there will come moments when your commitment to God will be questioned. Need I say it might not be men questioning that but life; moments like this call for our stone-cold evidence(s).

The correlation between Joshua 1:4 and Joshua 4 is profound. In Joshua 1:4, God gave Joshua a promise of land that spans vast territories—land that had been promised to the Israelites for generations. This promise is grounded in God’s covenant with Abraham and past faithfulness, evident by all He had done for His people aforetime. In Joshua 4, the 12 stones stand as a metaphor for the “evidence” in our lives—the moments when God has moved powerfully, answered prayers, or provided for us in miraculous ways. This was another pivotal moment in the lives of the Israelites; just as they were called to remember and recount the significance of the stones, we are also called to remember and reflect on ways God has already demonstrated His faithfulness to us. When we face challenges or doubt God’s promises, we can look back at the “stones” in our own lives—the milestones of faith, the answered prayers, the times God has come through when it seemed impossible—and use them as evidence that God will continue to be faithful. Just as the Israelites could stand on the bank of the Jordan and know that the God who parted the waters would lead them into the Promised Land, we can stand on the promises of God’s Word, knowing that the same God who has been faithful in the past will not fail us in the future.

However, God knew that the journey ahead would not be without challenges, frustrations, weeping, murmurings, chaos, and doubts. To strengthen His people’s faith, He commanded Joshua to build a memorial using the stones from the Jordan River, where God had just performed a miraculous act. This physical memorial would serve as “absolute evidence” that God was present, active, and faithful to fulfill His promises. The significance of these stones would remind generations that God can be trusted to do what He promised and that the presence of God with His children is irrefutable. I have had moments where it felt like I was hearing about the faithfulness of God from everyone else except myself because the word “miracle” suddenly felt somewhat strange; it was happening to others but me. The honest conversation with God was that I needed tangible evidence again and He gave me more than I asked for. For you reading this now and doubting if God hears you, I tell you He hears even the whispers of your heart, and all around you are evidence of His faithfulness.

Just as Joshua was called to step out in faith and claim the land promised to the Israelites, we too have been called to walk assertively into His promises made available for us. For Joshua, his certainty of God’s word and the historical evidence of God’s acts propelled him to forge ahead and not give up. But for us, our road map is the Bible which serves as evidence that God will fulfill every word He has spoken.

Lastly, these 12 stones emphasize the importance of marking the moments when God showed up on our behalf, so we don’t lose sight of what He is doing now. In the spirit of Christmas, one of our pieces of evidence is that God chose a young virgin girl to bring forth our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which is the mainstay of our salvation. Have a moment of reflection on these questions:

Looking at your life, what tangible “memorials” have you created to remind yourself and others of God’s faithfulness or your belief in a higher purpose?
What are some of the quiet, subtle signs you’ve seen in your life that have affirmed your beliefs, even when you couldn’t fully explain them to others?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, help us not to lose sight of the stone-cold evidence of your irrefutable love for us, and may we be bold to speak of your faithfulness in Jesus’ name. Amen.