Fear Daily Devotional - Feb. 25

February 25

Joshua 4:24
24: …that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.”

Comment:

I have always been taught not to isolate a verse, so it is important to read before and after.  In this case the verses we will look at first are the words before in hopes to find the key to understanding these words.

Do you remember how the Red Sea parted to allow the Israelites to cross over for their 40 year journey through the desert?  Sure you do.  Everyone knows that story!

But do you know the story of the Israelites crossing over the Jordan?  When it was time for Joshua to lead the people to the “land of milk and honey” God again parted the waters!  This time it was the Jordan River that dried up and allowed the desert travelers to cross over on dry land. (Joshua 4:23) 

After they had crossed over they had taken twelve stones to make a memorial to the miracle God provided for His people.  Just before this verse, Joshua is reminding the people of this trip across the River and how God made the way for them.   But he also makes another point, saying this miracle was more far reaching.  He says that the memorial will remind “all the peoples of the earth”.  Interesting, this miracle was not just for the Israelites, it was to stand as a reminder to all of God’s mighty hand!

And even more, it is to make all of us “fear”, or “reverently believe” in the Lord God, forever1 Wow, he opened the Jordan River to the people for more than the obvious.

Lord, we believe in you, we reverently love you, and we will tell of the miracles you have done, so that all the peoples of the earth will know you too! Amen.