Today is Memorial Day. A day that we set aside for remembering men and women whose lives were lost in service to this country. It's a day we reflect and remember the sacrifices others have made for us. And fellas remembering is important. Because when we remember, we recall loved ones and lessons that should never be canceled, dismissed, destroyed, rewritten, or forgotten. And sometimes these moments are so impressionable that we resurrect monuments that are designed to outlast our short memory. They become a more permanent reminder of what slips our minds so quickly.
Listen to these words:
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” - 1 Samuel 7:12
I love this text. But it's the lead-up to this moment that is incredible.
You see Samuel, one of the judges of Israel, has gathered the nation of Israel for a day of repentance. It was a national call for the people to return to God. Throughout the day, he instructed them, prayed for them, and made commitments with them as they cried out in repentance to God. But while they are gathered, their arch enemy, the Philistines, surrounded them with the intent to destroy them. So while the nation of Israel is unarmed and defenseless, the Philistines are surrounding them. And right at this moment, Samuel calls out to the people from the altar of God and commands them to proceed with worship. As the Philistines approach the border of the meeting, Samuel offers a sacrifice on the altar for the nation's sin - a spotless lamb whose life is given for their disobedience and sin.
And listen to what happened next.
But the Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. And the men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them, as far as below Beth-car. Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” - 1 Samuel 7:10-12
Samuel, as a longtime follower of God, knew that followers are prone to forget. To forget all the great things God has done for them. And to help them remember, he made the people stand up a stone. A standing stone. To remind them of all the great things God had done and will do for those who call on him.
So on this day take some time to remember. Reflect on the lives of all the fallen who gave their service to this country.
But in addition, remember we serve a God who fights all battles. No one will defeat him. He saved us with a single sacrifice. Jesus, his son, the spotless Lamb of God. In him, we have victory at that final trumpet sound. And with him, we enjoy a victory over the greatest and longest battle ever fought - the war with sin and death.
ASK THIS: Who are you reflecting on today? And what has God done for you that you need to remember? (Share this in the comments below).
DO THIS: Take time for silence and prayer.
PRAY THIS: God, thank you for saving me from my sin and death. And for fighting my battles.
PLAY THIS: Surrounded.
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Негізгі бет Let's Remember | Memorial Day Devotional | 1 Samuel
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