A Written Reminder

The LORD then said to Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua.” —Exodus 17:14

Shortly after the children of Israel were delivered out of Egypt, they were attacked by a fierce band of Amalekites. On the day of the battle, Joshua led the Israelite army out to face the enemy. This was Joshua’s first battle, and God used the occasion to teach him to not rely on his natural strength or ability but on the power of God.

God didn’t want Joshua to forget that He alone had the power to overcome the enemy. So the Lord told Moses to write it down.

You wouldn’t think there was much chance of Joshua ever forgetting what had just taken place—much as when God moves in a significant way in our lives we think we will never forget what has happened. But God wanted to be sure that, even when Joshua was an old man with lots of victories under his belt, he would have a permanent record of this particular battle—a written reminder of the true Source of his power.