What Do These Stones Mean?

Chimney Rock, located in western Nebraska, was one of the most recognized and picturesque landmarks along the Mormon, Oregon and Pony Express trails.



Those heading west through the new frontier scanned the horizon as they traveled across the prairies, knowing that if they had stayed the course, this monolith would one day appear on the horizon.


Reaching Chimney Rock was a landmark which provided travelers an opportunity to reflect on where they had come from and what they had endured along the trail . . . to remember their ultimate purpose and destination.


Although it was only made up of sandstone, with centuries of weather taking its toll, Chimney Rock was a reminder of their ultimate purpose. Though it was not their actual destination, it directed the eyes and will of the travelers to the destination that was beyond. Through the years, many have passed by this eroded mass of stone; but few placed the significance on it as did these pioneer travelers.


Today, Chimney Rock is no more than a curiosity and tourist attraction; it is a brief ‘hiccup’ in the history of the American west. Few recognize its significance . . . many pass by without giving it a second thought.


Our God has also placed ‘stones’ for you and I ___ most pass by these ‘stones’ (as many have done and continue to do with Chimney Rock), without recognizing their significance. These ‘stones’ are to be reminders of our relationship with God, and what He has done for man: as Chimney Rock was to those of the western frontier, they bring to mind where we have come from, our history, our struggles. They are there to encourage us . . . and remind us of our ultimate and eternal destination.




Lets take time to remember the “stones “ in our life and have them keep us close to God and a reminder to share those “stones “ with those we come into contact with each day.


Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.”


- Joshua 4:21-24 (New Living Translation)




Dear Lord we thank you for the “stones’ we have in our life. We pray that we would take the time today to share the significance of them with those we come into contact with. In Jesus’ Name. Amen