And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho. (Joshua 4:19)
What is the significance of Gilgal and what message does it provide to Lighthouse Evangelism as we begin the year 2025? Gilgal is mentioned 39 times in the Bible. It served as the launching pad for Israel as they entered into their inheritance under the leadership of Joshua. This devotional will highlight some key events surrounding Gilgal with the intent of providing needed perspective for Lighthouse Evangelism in its mission to be the light of Christ everywhere.
The Anointing of Joshua
On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they had feared Moses, all the days of his life. (Joshua 4:14)
Moses had faithfully led the children of Israel through the wilderness over a period of 40 years. Moses has since died, and God was about to do a new thing under a new leader. Joshua is now anointed to lead Israel in this significant moment of their history. Moses established a solid foundation that Joshua is now able to build upon. The Fear of the Lord was upon the people as they served under his leadership.
The Memorial Stones
“Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.’” (Joshua 4:2-3)
When Israel crossed over the Jordan, they placed twelve stones in Gilgal that were taken out of the river Jordan. What do these twelve stones represent? It was a question that generations to come would ask; it is a question we need to ask to gain perspective for our day. The twelve stones were to serve as a reminder of all that God had done for Israel in rolling away the reproach of sin. God dried up the Jordan River in the same way He did the Red Sea where He made a way for His people (Exodus 14:22). It was also a reminder to all that God is mighty and to be feared (Joshua 4:24).
Gilgal was a place of circumcision
At that time the LORD said to Joshua, “Make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time.” (Joshua 5:2)
The theme for Lighthouse Evangelism in 2025 is Reviving of Hearts. Gilgal was the place of fresh circumcision and separation (Joshua 5:7-8). It was here where God rolled away the reproach of Egypt. Joshua later had an encounter with the Lord of hosts who was seen with a sword in hand. True circumcision of heart requires an inward yielding to the sword of the Lord before executing the sword externally throughout the land (Joshua 5:13-15, Hebrews 4:12).
Joshua had a revelation of the holiness of God; so must we. The first stronghold to be taken was the impenetrable walls of the city of Jericho (Joshua 6). This required a circumcision of ears so that the battle plan of God could be ascertained. What kind of plan consists of walking silently around the walls of a fortified city for seven days? This is one of the reasons for an intensifying of Prayer and Fasting. It allows us to hear God’s battle plan, so we know how to be effectual in spiritual warfare.
Gilgal was a place of judgement
He went from year to year on a circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and judged Israel in all those places. (1 Samuel 7:16)
Samuel, as prophet, priest and judge, would circuit amongst key cities; Gilgal being chief among them. The Bible is very clear about judgement first being exercised in the house of the Lord (1 Peter 4:17). Samuel would later execute judgement upon Agag, king of the Amalekites at Gilgal (1 Samuel 15:33). There has been an emphasis on holiness in recent weeks in our services and prayer meetings. It is vitally important that we allow the sword of God’s Word to deal with the (Amalekite) works of the flesh in our lives (Hebrews 4:12).
Lighthouse Evangelism at Gilgal
“…What meaneth these stones?” (Joshua 4:21, KJV) There is so much more that can be gleaned from Israel’s related experiences at Gilgal. The name “Gilgal” also has the connotation of a hub or wheel that served the interests of Israel at a time of great activity. Gilgal aids our understanding in being able to reconcile the events surrounding Joshua and beyond. The message(s) of Gilgal helps to provide a modern-day perspective and blueprint for the church of our day; it is a call to men and women of circumcised hearts and ears.
Take time to read the first several chapters in Joshua and determine if Lighthouse Evangelism and the church at large is in a Gilgal season. Those 12 stones at Gilgal have a meaning and message for our day. May the Lord help us to hear and respond to what the Spirit of the Lord is speaking.
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Joshua 5:9
Then the LORD said to Joshua, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day.
Tuesday: Joshua 6:3-4
You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.
Wednesday: 2 Chronicles 20:15
And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the LORD to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
Thursday: 1 Peter 4:17
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Friday: Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Saturday: Joshua 5:15
Then the Commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.” And Joshua did so.
Sunday: 2 Corinthians 10:4
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Timothy O’Connell
