Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day - Don't Forget

Today we reflect with gratitude upon the brave men and women who gave their lives in service for this country. Memorial Day gives us the opportunity to stop, remember and be thankful. It is good for us to stop and remember. In the Old Testament we see that God told the Israelites to stop and remember His blessings. In Joshua 4 we read the story of Joshua as he led the Israelites across the Jordan. God miraculously parted the waters of the Jordan River so the Israelites could walk across as they made their way to Jericho and the Promised Land.

The Lord instructed the Israelites to get twelve stones from the river bed and set them up at camp as a memorial for them to remember what God had done. Joshua said, “In the future, your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you will tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a permanent memorial among the people of Israel.”

God not only wanted His people to remember what He had done, but He also wanted them to remind their children over and over again. Just as we should never forget the sacrifice our veterans gave for this country, so we should never forget the blessings God has given us each day. In Deuteronomy 8 God warned the Israelites, “When you have eaten your fill, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations and laws.”

Let us be faithful to remember God’s goodness, mercy and care. Most importantly may we remember the sacrifice He made in sending His only Son to pay the penalty for our sin. Take some time today to stop and remember as you teach your kids about the significance of Memorial Day. And take time every day to stop and remember God’s goodness and mercy toward us.