The United States celebrates a national holiday called Memorial Day, a day we remember and honor those who have given their lives in service to this nation. Those who have died fighting for liberty and freedom are remembered by those who live to enjoy the freedoms their sacrifice has protected. We have recently celebrated this holiday, and it reminded me of a different type of memorial mentioned in the Bible.
Memorial Stones
God seems to think “remembering” is pretty important. He told the people of Israel to set up “memorial stones” to serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and deliverance, so they and even future generations would remember the goodness of the Lord (Joshua 4:1-7). These stones were to be “rocks of remembrance,” a tangible reminder for the people. God also reminded the people frequently He was the God who led them out of Egypt and out of the house of bondage. Psalm 136 is simply a re-telling of some of the great things God had done for the nation of Israel. It recounts events that would serve as a reminder to all generations of God’s faithfulness.
The New Testament also demonstrates an important practice of remembering through one of the most significant events in the life of Jesus. “On the night that He was betrayed, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to His disciples saying, ‘this is my body, broken for you. Eat this in remembrance of me’” (Luke 22:19). Just before His arrest leading to His crucifixion, Jesus shared one last Passover meal with His disciples. He instituted the Lord’s Supper, sharing the words stated above, and similar ones with the sharing of the cup. Remembering was important. Remembering is important.
I want to encourage you to take some time to remember. Remember who God has been in your life. Remember His faithfulness. Remember His sacrifice on your behalf. Remember personal, specific events or occasions where the mercy and love of God was displayed to you.
Remember your life before Christ, and consider the difference He has made.
Remember your conversion and the circumstances surrounding it.
Remember those who prayed for you, loved you, and shared Jesus with you.
Remember Newness of Life.
Remember answers to prayer.
Remember miracles, even little ones only you were able to see.
Remember the joy of salvation and the freedom of forgiveness.
Remember times of worship, prayer, or service when God’s presence was so real.
Remember those times He came and comforted you.
Remember how you received grace and help in a time of trouble.
Remember how He has spoken to you, called you, directed your path.
Remember times He has used you or others in your life.
Remember when the Word of God was so alive and powerful in a moment.
Remember the sweetness of the assurance and experience of His love.
Write down your “memorial stones” and never forget.
As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.