Something about the stones
The last Monday of May is Memorial Day in the United States. It is also the first day of summer break for us (can someone say no more homework and lunch duties?). Our neighborhood pool is open, we have the option of grilling out, and if the day is spectacularly lovely, we walk to one of our ice cream shops to indulge in all the sugar we want to celebrate the end of the school year. It is so much fun! Yet, I remember that my privilege to enjoy these things comes at the sacrifice made on my behalf by someone whom I have never met. And when I think about it, I am very grateful. I remember their sacrifice, and gratitude ensues.
According to dictionary.com, a memorial is something, especially a structure, established to remind people of a person or event. Memorials are important. They help us tell others, particularly generations after us, about monumental moments and the brave people who helped. We can quickly see we did not get to where we are on our own; we are standing on someone else's shoulders. It also helps us make better future decisions, especially if the memorial's history has to do with injustice. Memorials are valuable. They allow us to remember.
God values memorials too. Not because he loves monuments but because He wants us to remember His love for and faithfulness to us. For example, God asked the Israelites, on their journey to the promised land, to make an altar, a structure with twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, to serve as a memorial of what He did for them when He parted the Jordan river in the middle of the flood stage in harvest season in Johsua 4:1-9. His reason was so they could remember and tell generations about His faithfulness and goodness. And in response, worship Him in thanksgiving and remember He is always faithful to help.
If you notice, God had the appointed men from each tribe take out the stones in the middle of the Jordan. In my opinion, the middle of the Jordan was likely the deepest part of the water, meaning in normal circumstances, it was nearly impossible to get these stones out (the stones were also weighty). It would take a miracle to make it possible. And that is what happened.
As you honor soldiers that laid down their lives for our freedom this memorial day, I also want to challenge you to take a moment to ask God what He wants you to highlight in your life to serve as a memorial of His goodness and faithfulness to you. Even during uncertain times. For the Israelites, it was the stones from the Jordan. For you, it may be a dedicated thanksgiving journal, an artifact from the intense season God has just brought you from - it could be a scripture, a testimony, a book, or a song. If you ask, He will let you know what it is. The idea is not to worship memorials; they remind us of a critical moment and should bring us to a place where we make informed decisions or express gratitude.
As we celebrate Memorial Day today, I honor all the soldiers (and their families) who served and lost their lives. I remember, and I am grateful for your service and sacrifice. There is no greater sacrifice that was made for us than Jesus Christ laying down his life for our freedom. I encourage you to ask God what He wants you to have as a reminder of His faithfulness, never to leave or forsake you. Never. So I will leave you with this question, what are your memorial stones?
Happy Memorial Day!