In the United States, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. The day is set aside to remember and honor those who have given all in the service of their country. It was known as “Decoration Day” in its beginning shortly after the American Civil War. Fellow soldiers would decorate the graves of their fallen comrades with flags, flowers and wreathes. The tradition continues to this day. These decorated graves signify that each individual is not forgotten, but remembered and honored for their sacrifice in the protection and maintaining the freedom of their fellow citizens.
Many people visit the grave-sites of their departed loved ones and heroes year after year honoring their memory. But there is one particular grave-site that is visited by thousands of people year after year, and yet they do not come to decorate for remembrance. That is due to the fact that the grave is empty. It is known as the garden tomb in Jerusalem, where Jesus was laid after His death on the cross. They come to wonder in amazement and worship the Lord Jesus Christ who rose from the dead and is alive today in Heaven and seated at the right hand of God the Father.
As we remember those who have given their lives, by paying the ultimate sacrifice for freedom; let us also be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His death provided freedom from the bondage of sin, and because He lives, all those who call upon His name will also live.
“So the men did as Joshua had commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River, one for each tribe, just as the LORD had told Joshua. They carried them to the place where they camped for the night and constructed the memorial there.” Joshua 4:8 NLT
Here in the United States, a day of remembrance, Memorial Day, is commemorated for those who have sacrificed their lives in serving their country. Patriots Day is recognized on September 11th each year as a memorial and remembrance to all who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attack. Both have been put in place to remind us to ‘never forget.’ Remembrances and memorials are not only reserved for tragic events but also for major accomplishments throughout the world bringing inspiration and encouragement to all who take part in them. Remembrance in its proper context to ‘never forget’ teaches us there is something of value, something of extreme importance that cannot be ignored, but will enrich our lives with reverence and truth.
Here on this page we have been addressing conquering new territory in our lives the last couple of Sundays from the book of Joshua. We saw when we find ourselves in difficult new territory it requires us to be strong and courageous, to not overlook anyone God has place in our lives to help, and to make a total commitment to God to go ahead with His plan. Along the way God is going to start to do some amazing things in your transition to your new territory. It is during these events you need to take notice of God’s hand at work and start picking up your memorial stones.
The Israelites experienced the miracle of crossing the Jordan River on dry ground after God caused the waters to backup and separate creating a pathway to the other side. God was at work fulfilling His promise to them in providing the means they could not possibly accomplish on their own. The Lord then instructed Joshua to select twelve men, one from each tribe of Israel, to pick up a stone from the middle of the river where the priests were standing carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord. He was to build a memorial from the stones for remembrance of what the Lord had done for them. Future generations will ask of the significance of the stones learning of God’s magnificent power and His provisions for His people He called to new territory.
God’s plans are always exact and according to His timetable. Scripture says, “The people crossed the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month. Then they camped at Gilgal, just east of Jericho.” (Jos. 4:19 NLT) The Israelites arrived in the Promised Land exactly forty years from when they left the bondage of Egypt. The tenth day of the first month was the day the Passover lamb was to be selected for the Passover on the fourteenth day. Forty years earlier, they celebrated the first Passover sprinkling the blood on the doorposts as the destroying angel passed by. They were now brought safely to the Promised Land by the hand of the Lord.
You may feel like you are going through forty years in the wilderness in the adjustments to your new circumstances. But rest assured God is in control. He has His timetable and it needs no adjustments. It is during times like these you need to have complete trust in Him and remember what he has done for you so far. Start piling up your stones of remembrance building that memorial for you and others to look on and discover what great things God has done for you. Your memorial stones are also serve as a reminder for all to fear (have great reverence) for God. “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.” (Jos. 4:24 NLT)
All your stones may not be the same in size, but when they are placed together in God’s timing they will form a perfect mosaic of His will, His provisions, His love, His grace, and His mercy. Start gathering your stones, there may be more of them than you realize.
Word for the Soul 