Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations. — Psalm 135:13
Many years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. I, like many other Americans, will never forget that day. I remember watching the plane fly into the tower and watching the towers fall, killing thousands of Americans. It was an amazing memorial that simply left you remembering those that lost their lives that day.
In 2020, however, I heard a unique statement. It was the first graduating high school class that was not alive when 9/11 happened. Their lives were never changed by the actions of that day. To this unique group of high school seniors, 9/11 was a historical event they could only learn about from a book and by visiting a memorial.
That’s the purpose of a memorial. It safeguards a specific event or circumstance for others to remember. It shares what things were like before the event, what happened during the event, and how life changed through the event. They are designed to help us never forget.
In this Psalm, the psalmist writes about the memorial of God. The idea was that the things God had done for the people, they would never forget. They would take those things and share them with generation after generation. It was a story to tell what they were facing and what God had done.
Each of us has experienced the goodness of God in many ways. Perhaps you faced a difficulty or circumstance, and God delivered. We all can relate to our experience with sin and forgiveness of sin. But have we set those events as memorials in our lives that we will never forget? We should easily be able to tell our friends, family, coworkers, and anyone else about the things God has done for us. Not because we are worthy but because we set those events in our lives as memorials to Him!
Jared Dyson
Another Well Ministries
I like Jared's devotions...but I am surprised he is not "woke" to the realities of this world...I guess I figure most thoughtful, intelligent people would be awake.
I think the biggest problem with establishing this concept of testimony, story, memorial is that most people just don't communicate in the way that lends itself to that concept...meaning most people just don't talk or think in depth anymore. Talking/communcating has become like fast food, quick and easy to eat...no thoughtfulness required. Too much letting someone or something else "entertain" us...no interaction required other than hitting the "on" switch. Just one more way our society has been degraded...and moved farther away from from foundational Biblical principles.
...valid observation...