Standing Stones

It is good to remember once in a while.  It is a worth while exercise to look back, consider, and take note of what has happened.  We should not live in the past nor dwell on it overmuch--but neither must we live or act as though only today and tomorrow are of any value.

So on this Memorial Day, while remembering those who have served our country and honoring their memories; working to preserve that for which they fought and died, and not minimizing their courage, valor and sacrifices; let us also remember to look at the bigger picture--what God has done throughout the course of all time.  

They say that those who do not learn History are doomed to repeat it....  If you look at the history of the people of Israel they were told over and over again to stop, look back and remember what God had done.

Photo Credit: Ewen Rennie via Wikimedia Commons

When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests' feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’” Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.” (Joshua 4:1-7)

What has God done in your life over these first five months of 2013?  What are some of the things that you will tell your children that God has done? (I have to save them up 'till I have some, Lord willing! :) What are the "God Things" that you will always remember from the last year?  The last 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 years?  What are these 'standing stones' that you can point the future generations to and say "see what God has done!"

In the coming weeks, months and years be on the lookout for such events--tell others what God has done for you.  Perhaps you will want to write them down so you will be able to recall every detail to pass down to your children.  Maybe there will be a special object or place that will cause you to remember that you can show to others.  

And so as fly your flags today and proudly remember and honor those who have served our country, or even if you do not; take time to honor God as a duty and privilege of even more importance.  Let the flag of your heart be Joy and let your flags fly high!

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
  Serve the Lord with gladness!
   Come into his presence with singing! (Ps 100)

Matthew