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Friday, May 27, 2016

Memorials


Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer [Ebenezer means stone of help], saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.  (1Samuel 7:12 KJV)

In the United States of America it is Memorial Day weekend.  Originally, it was a time set aside to honor the men and women who gave their lives in various wars (as well as a time to decorate graves of loved ones who have passed away).  Sadly, this time has evolved into a huge party time—a time to kick off summer time. 

Many people will spend the weekend relaxing and hanging out with family and friends—not giving a second thought to what the day is really about.  However, there are places where those who have gone on are remembered.


Personal photo


In the United Methodist tradition, we honor those who have passed away since the previous Memorial Day by reading their names and lighting a candle.  In addition, memorials given to the church are used to buy items; such as, pictures, Bibles, and books—in memory of an individual—are dedicated.


Photo Credit: C. Meissner


With all of this in mind, I thought it would be interesting to look at memorials in the Scriptures.  In order to better grasp the idea of a memorial, let us consider the definition of memorial from Webster’s Dictionary of 1828

1. Preservative of memory.  There high in air memorial of my name, Fix the smooth oar, and bid me live to fame.  2. Contained in memory as memorial possession.  MEMO'RIAL, noun That which preserves the memory of something; any thing that serves to keep in memory. A monument is a memorial of a deceased person, or of an event. The Lord's supper is a memorial of the death and sufferings of Christ.  Churches have names; some as memorials of peace, some of wisdom, some of the Trinity.  1. Any note or hint to assist the memory.  Memorials written with king Edward's hand shall be the ground of this history.  2. A written representation of facts, made to a legislative or other body as the ground of a petition, or a representation of facts accompanied with a petition.[1]


Photo Credit: C. Meissner


We memorialize to honor; we honor people, we also honor God.  On the flip side, we also dishonor people and God by how we treat them and talk to and about them. 

Memorials have a long history; they have a solid biblical foundation.  Throughout God’s Word, we can find memorials to God’s power, might, help, and work on behalf of His people. 

In the Old Testament we see a memorial to the faithfulness of God being put up, by the prophet Samuel—the Ebenezer stone (1 Samuel 7:12). 

What does it mean to you to have a God Who helps? 

What can you do to help you remember how God helps you?


Photo Credit: P. Whitlach 

In the New Testament we see the establishment of Communion—a memorial to Jesus’ work on the cross (1 Corinthians 11:26-29).  (In the future, I plan to take a closer look at Communion.)

Obviously, there are many more memorials in the Scriptures, some will be considered later.

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Lord of All, Thank You for being our ever faithful “stone of help”.  We realize what a wretched state we would be in without You.  We praise and thank You for Your faithfulness towards us, especially when we have been less than faithful, at times, towards You.  We remember with gratitude all that You have done for Your children.  During this time, we lift up to You memories of loved ones who have died.  Thank You for the ways they have touched our lives.  We remember with gratitude, all that Jesus did for us.  Guide us to use this special time in a way that is honoring, rather than dishonoring.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim  





4 comments:

  1. Beautiful and timely message, Kim. May we all take time this weekend to give thanks to God for the men and women who died in service to this country.
    Love and blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Martha, I'm thankful you liked this post--I had some struggles with how to say what I said. This year, I thought it would be a good idea to address this holiday. If I remember correctly, this day was once called "Decoration Day".

    Love and blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think about Isaiah 49:14-16...Where Zion says that the Lord has forsaken me...but God says "See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands...your walls are continually before Me." This tells me that God has written my name in His hand...so that He will NEVER forget me...that is a marvelous Memorial...and so close to God's Heart is His hand...He will never forget us, His precious children! Amen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pam, thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. You've shared a great verse! What a memorial it is to have God inscribe us on the palms of His hands! There are so many memorials in the Scriptures, if we have eyes to see them.

      Blessings!

      Delete

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