What do these stones mean?
“And Joshua said to them, ‘Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those 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.’” Joshua 4:5-7a
A circle of chairs sat on a flat, sandy clearing at the mouth of Spencer Canyon in western Grand Canyon. The moon was not yet out, allowing the stars to illuminate the night sky in dazzling splendor. The sun had long been gone, but the heat of the desert still lingered in the air. The slightest of breezes stirred the willows and various desert vegetation that surrounded the collection of camp chairs. A small flame danced upon a homemade wick protruding from a glass bottled filled with lighter fluid. Eight pairs of fathers and sons, tired yet giddy about the events of the day, filled the chairs of the circle. One lone chair sat next to the flickering flame in the middle of the circle. This chair was about to become the focus of the gathering. Quietness settled upon the group of men and for a moment all embraced the smells and sounds of Grand Canyon. One by one, the sons (18 years old and recent high school graduates) had their turn sitting in the center chair. Each father took his turn to share a blessing to his son. Following the blessing, the other fathers gathered around each son for prayer. Words of vision and blessing were expressed, calling the sons to a life of righteousness and eager pursuit of the kingdom according to the gifts God has given to them. The rocks of Grand Canyon stood as a witness and monument to the commitment of each son to the abundant living Christ died for them to have.
These men acted in accordance with the command God had given to the Israelites following their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. The rocks of Grand Canyon cause all to seek their origin and significance. The fathers shared with the next generation the majesty of God and inspired their sons to live in submission to Him. This powerful experience is just one of many ways Grand Canyon continues to transform lives day after day.
When was the last time you shared the majesty and power of God with the next generation?
Praiseallujiah!
Jon
