WHAT MEANETH THESE STONES?

Memorial Day was first celebrated on May 30, 1888. It was originally called Decoration Day, a day of remembrance for those who died in our nation’s service and an opportunity for relatives to decorate the graves of their loved ones. Many cemeteries will offer Memorial Day Services today but very few people will take time out of their busy day to decorate a grave or pause to remember a fallen soldier. Most of us celebrate Memorial Day as a day off work, the beginning of summer and an opportunity for cookouts with family members.

Memorials are very important to God. God spoke to Moses and Joshua on several occasions to set up memorials as a reminder to future generations. One of my favorite accountings is found in the 4th chapter of Joshua. The Children of Israel had journeyed for 40 long years and the only barrier between them and the Promised Land was the Jordan River. God gave Joshua explicit instructions regarding their crossing. Then He told them to take 12 stones from the river to set up as a memorial. When future generations would ask, “What meaneth these stones,” they were to be reminded of Gods deliverance and provision. Joshua 4:24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever. As the priests with the Ark of the Covenant on their shoulders stood in the middle of the Jordan River, God parted the river so that everyone could walk over and once the priests with the ark reached the other side, the water returned to its normal flow.

There were other important memorials established by God. Some were set aside as feast days and holidays which are still significant and celebrated today. Others were set up to honor the faithfulness of specific individuals. The Jewish people still celebrate the holiday of Purim which was set up as a Memorial to honor God’s great deliverance of His people through the obedience of Queen Esther. In Bethany, a woman came to Jesus with an alabaster box of precious ointment. The woman break the box and anointed Jesus’ head. When the disciples became indignant at such a “waste,” Jesus said in Matthew 26, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. 11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. 12For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. 13Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

One of the final and most important memorials instituted by Jesus Christ is Communion. Most Christian religions regularly celebrate Communion, the “Lord’s Supper,” or the Eucharist as it is called. In 1 Corinthians11, Paul reminds us of this important Ordinance; That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.

Although the official Memorial Day holiday in the United States is almost over, the remembrances don’t have to end. In the life of a Believer, a celebration of Memorial Day should be observed on a regular basis. Gather some stones for a memorial. When your children ask, “What meaneth these stones?” tell them about the goodness of God, His deliverance and provision for your family. Tell them He is Jehovah Jireh and of the time when He made a way where there was no way. Remind them of His protection for all who abide under the Shadow of the Almighty. Teach them that He will be a Lamp unto our feet and a Light unto our path. Most of all declare unto them, His Name is Jesus and Acts 4:12, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

I pray this will be a Memorial Day holiday unlike any that you have experienced. May you and your family be blessed as you remember and give honor to God.