Why You Need Memorials

In the future, when your descendants ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The LORD your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over.

— Joshua 4:21-23

As the Israelites stood on the western shore of the Jordan River, Joshua understood the significance of creating a lasting memorial. The stones taken from the riverbed served not only as a testament to the current generation but also as a powerful teaching tool for future generations. These stones would prompt questions from children and grandchildren, leading to stories of God’s miraculous intervention and faithfulness.

God’s people often fail in their trust because they forget the great things He has done. When we neglect to remember and recount God’s past deeds, our faith can falter. This is why memorials are essential—they keep the memory of God’s works alive and vibrant. Memorials remind us that the truth of what God has done does not diminish with time. Just as the crossing of the Jordan was as significant as the crossing of the Red Sea, so too are God’s works in our lives today just as powerful and meaningful as those of the past.

Here are five reasons why we need to create memorials to remember God’s goodness:

• Memorials Help Us Remember: God’s people often forget what they should remember. Memorials serve as tangible reminders of God’s faithfulness and power, keeping His works at the forefront of our minds.

• The Truth of God’s Works Remains Constant: The significance of what God has done does not lessen over time. Memorials help us to continually appreciate and reflect on His unchanging power and goodness.

• Teaching the Younger Generation: Memorials are vital in teaching children and future generations about God’s mighty deeds. When they see these memorials, they ask questions, allowing us to share the stories of God’s faithfulness, thereby nurturing their faith.

• Personal and Unseen Memorials: Memorials don’t have to be physical objects; they can also be personal and unseen, such as journal entries or prayers. These personal reminders strengthen our faith and provide solace during difficult times.

Anchors in Times of Crisis: During moments of crisis, memorials serve as anchors, reminding us of God’s past faithfulness and encouraging us to trust Him for the future. They reassure us that the same God who delivered us before will do so again.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your incredible faithfulness and the mighty works you have done in my life. Help me to remember and create memorials that will serve as lasting reminders of your goodness. May these memorials strengthen my faith and the faith of future generations. Guide me in sharing the stories of your miraculous interventions so that others may come to know and trust you. In times of crisis, help me to hold onto these reminders and trust in your unchanging love and power.