How does Christian faith resemble world religions? It doesn’t, and the Book of Joshua shows us why.
In Joshua 4, the Israelites have crossed the Jordan on dry land into the Promised Land. The priests continue to stand in the dry river bed with the Ark of the Covenant, bearing the Lord’s presence. The Lord tells Joshua to pick 12 men representing each of the 12 tribes, and command them to take up 12 stones from the river bed. They are to carry those stones to where they will lodge that night and set them down as a memorial.
In verses 21-24, we read that these stones will memorialize God’s actions:
• The day He enabled Israel to cross the Jordan on dry land into the Promised Land.
• The day He dried up the waters of the Jordan until all had crossed.
• How He enabled an earlier generation to cross the Red Sea on dry land.
The Lord required this memorial:
• To exalt Joshua’s leadership in the sight of all Israel even as they revered Moses.
• To remind future generations of Israelites how He faithfully intervened to save them.
• To proclaim to all peoples everywhere of God’s mighty hand and inspire their reverence.
The stones tangibly reminded Israelites that only God could make a way where there was no way, to lead them to a future and a hope they never could dream or reach on their own.
Many people, including those in liberal churches calling themselves “Christian,” often claim Christian faith as teachings, philosophy—and myth. But Joshua 4 reminds us that Christian faith is founded on acts of God in real time—acts to remember and cherish.
All people in the Bible from Genesis through Revelation gain their significance from God’s acts in their lives. Biblical accounts of Creation, of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses—and Joshua—all have their origins in acts of God, not of their own. So, too, of David, the prophets, and later, of Jesus Christ Himself in obedience to His Father in Heaven in His life, death and resurrection.
This historical foundation of the Bible, based upon acts of God, sets Christian faith apart from all other religions.
All other religions are teachings, philosophy and myths. One can never have a personal relationship with myths. That is possible only with a God who enters human history.
Because relationship with God is what we are made for, people within our spheres of influence will truly come to Christ only when they personally encounter God in tangible ways. Intellectual approaches alone will not persuade. Only God’s acts in and through His children set Jesus apart.
How true this is in IGO’s ministry! Our evangelists, students and many Indian believers testify of personal healings, deliverances and other encounters with God, convincing them of His authority, power and love through Jesus Christ.
Historical Bible events, centered in acts of an unchanging God, serve as templates for our own day. Our faith and stability grow when we see and hear of God’s acts in our lives and others. When we forget these things, chaos reigns (see the Book of Judges).
When Christians increasingly demonstrate that God’s acts are for today, not just for ancient times, revival and awakening will sweep the nations. That day cannot come soon enough!
From the Desk of Valson Abraham 