"I remember watching TV a few years ago [and] the ceremonies surrounding the anniversary of the D-day invasion at Normandy. Seeing actual battle footage and the endless graves of thousands and thousands of soldiers deeply moved me. Although loved ones certainly think of them every day, we, as a nation, set aside this one day in particular to pay tribute to the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for the sake of others.
Memorials and monuments seem to be very important in Scripture. When the Pass-over was insituted on the eve of the children of Israel's escape from Egypt, the Lord told Moses, 'And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations...' Exodus 12:14. When the children of Israel were preparing to cross the Jordan River before entering the Promised Land, they were to put 12 stones in the river, one for each tribe. Joshua told the people, 'That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, "What mean ye these stones?", then ye shall answer them, That the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord... and these stones shall be a memorial unto the chiuldren of Israel forever.' Joshua 4:6-7
How can you tell what God is doing or has done? Do you have any memorials in your life? Look back and see the reminders of His faithfulness and care. Places where God supernaturally intervened in your life and made Himself known at a physical and spiritual level? Like drying up the waters of the Red Sea, as it were, so you could cross. Or providing a way where there was no way. If you're struggling to think of some, let me suggest several: (1) Remember the Cross - It's a memorial to our Lord's defeat of hell and His redemption of sinners; He saved me. (2) Remember our vows - He gave us to one another; we're commited to Him and He to us. (3) Personal healing - He touched me. I not only have the promises for this, I have personal experience. Memorials to the Lord are built on earth and established in heaven. They were built by men of God yesterday to tell us that He is with us today and will be at our side tomorrow.
The memorials of God always have one great message: 'Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever,' Hebrews 13:8. Biblical faith embraces a living Savior who has a flawless track record and a perfect plan for our future. There is no time or force that can destroy or erode God's workings toward us day by day. May this Memorial Day remind you of the men and women who have paid a great price for the freedoms we enjoy, and our God who, in Christ, has made us truly free.
Remembering His goodness,
Ron Mehl"