3 Lessons Biblical Memorials Can Teach Us

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

The Bible contains multiple references to memorials which show us the importance of remembering certain events and actions.

God appeared to Jacob in a dream as he fled from his brother, Esau. Jacob poured oil on the stone he used as a pillar to dedicate the place where God established a covenant with him.

Joshua commanded twelve men to each carry a stone across the Jordan River to safeguard the knowledge of the miracles God had performed for future generations.

The Feast of Purim in the book of Esther proclaims the day the Jews were saved from annihilation by the wicked Haman.

The Word of God documents so many times people were commanded to remember someone or something that we can’t discuss them all here. But these following incidents in Scripture can reveal to us three lessons biblical memorials can teach us.

1. We can remember and be thankful for what God has done. In Exodus 17:14 Joshua led the Israelite warriors to victory over Amalek. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. (NKJV)”

The outcome of this battle can show us how God also delivers us from our enemies. We can record these victories in journals or notes in our Bible. At times when we are tempted to fear or fall into despair these words can remind us of the Lord’s sovereign power to deliver us from evil.

2. We can remember and be thankful for what others have done for us. Jesus had dinner with Simon the leper. Many prominent people were probably in attendance. A sinful woman came into the room and anointed Jesus’ feet with fragrant oil. Some of the dinner guests were indignant and only thought about the value of the oil thinking what she did was a waste. But Jesus told them to leave her alone. She would be recognized in the gospel for her devotion to Him.

Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is peached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. (Matthew 26:13)

Sacrificial gifts come to us from other people throughout our lives. The impact these offerings have on us can leave a lasting remembrance of kindnesses.

3. We can remember and be thankful for what we have done that has impacted the gospel message. This doesn’t mean we should brag about our giving or accomplishments but we can be thankful God has blessed us with resources and opportunities to spread the message of grace. Acts 10:4 shows us the result of Cornelius’ prayers and giving. As this Roman centurion prayed he had a vision of an angel talking to him. And when he observed him, he was afraid and said, “What is it, lord?” so he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.”

Present Day Observances

We observe a special day on our calendar in May. We honor the sacrifices of our military members who gave their lives on the battlefield to preserve the freedoms we now enjoy. The precedent for this and other observances was set in the Bible to honor heroes, events, and why they happened.

On this Memorial Day, may we look back to the battles over the centuries where American men and women bled, died, and are buried. The principle their sacrifices preserved is embedded in America’s foundation which is the rock of the gospel.

Our greatest reminder of life is the empty tomb in Jerusalem. The large stone that rolled away revealed the vacant hole that no longer contains a body because Jesus is alive.

He is our legacy of salvation, grace, and truth.

Because of what He did we can live in a land where we can worship and preach His message. May Memorial Day remind you of the blessings you now enjoy.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts and memorials.

3 lessons biblical memorials can teach us (click to tweet)

 

 

 

 

 

What To Do When We Feel Our Lives Don't Change

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

After two years away from home, I was anxious to get my hands in the dirt again and plant flowers and vegetables. I was probably overly anxious because I started a little too early while the weather was still cool and my efforts were fruitless. The air was still too cold even for some cool weather crops.

Mother's Day Scriptures and Memes

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Mother’s Day is celebrated as a memorial to our maternal parent. We celebrate the lives and memories of our own mothers and we receive accolades from our children.

God's Love Story Shines Through the Romance of Boaz and Ruth

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Last year Lighthouse Bible Studies published a compilation titled, For Love’s Sake. This book is now a finalist in the Selah awards given at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I was privileged to contribute to this wonderful book.

I have always loved the book of Ruth in the Bible and my contribution to this book is based on the love between Boaz and Ruth. I shared part of this story in another blog post For Love’s Sake, the Life-changing Facets of love. Here is the rest of that article. 

God’s Love Story

God painted a picture of the gospel through the palette of His Word in the romance of Boaz and Ruth. Boaz’s name means “strong redeemer.”¹ He became the redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. Christ, the second Adam, became the Kinsman Redeemer for mankind.

Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people. (Luke 1:68 NKJV)

The Old Testament vision of Jesus’ love for all mankind is enacted through the book of Ruth through acceptance, provision, protection, and rest. What are the similarities in the two stories of redeeming love?

Acceptance

Ruth was accepted by Naomi (Ruth 1:22), by Boaz (2:14), and by Israel (2:6); and she wasn’t judged for her past (2:6). Ruth approached Boaz by faith (3:6).

Believers are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), and we are not judged by God for our past (Psalm 103:12, Romans 8:1). We approach God through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8).

Provision

God led Ruth to glean from the fields of Boaz when she didn’t know who Boaz was (Ruth 2:3). Boaz provided for Ruth (2:8), fed Ruth (3:15), and shared his wealth with Ruth and Naomi (4:11).

God draws us to Him before we know who He is (John 15:16). God provides for us (Psalm 37:25), Jesus feeds us (John 6:35), and He sees our poverty and need and makes us rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Protection

Boaz protected Ruth from the reapers (Ruth 2:9), and he signified his protection of her by covering her with his garment—Take your maidservant under your wing (3:9 NKJV).

God protects us from the world (Galatians 1:4), and He covers us with His wings of protection (Psalm 91:4).

Rest

Boaz brought Ruth out of the heat of the day and gave her refreshment (Ruth 2:14). Ruth rested at Boaz’s feet in obedience (3:6). Redemption gave Ruth and Naomi peace (4:15).

Jesus refreshes us with living water (John 6:35). We are to rest by giving Jesus our burdens (Matthew 11:28). Jesus gives us peace (John 14:27).

Redeemed by Love

Ruth was a foreigner who had nothing until Boaz extended grace toward her (Ruth 2:13). We were foreigners without God (Ephesians 2:12) and had nothing until the Father extended love to us through Jesus.

Ruth’s acceptance into Israel shows that God loves all races of people. When God included Ruth in the line of the Messiah, He revealed that His plan of redemption was for all mankind, not just the Jews (Ephesians 3:6, Galatians 3:8).

Redemption turned the tragedy of Ruth and Naomi’s lives into triumph (Ruth 4:15), and it turned the tragedy of the cross into triumph for God and us (Romans 8:28, Colossians 2:15).

It was for love’s sake that Boaz redeemed Ruth and made her part of his family. It was for love’s sake that God visited His people and redeemed us through Christ.

Information about the book, For Love’s Sake

This amazing collection of articles will bless your soul as you read about the different ways God’s love has affected the lives of people. You can order from Lighthouse Bible Studies  or find the compilation on Amazon. 

What does the book of Ruth say to you? Please feel free to share your thoughts. 

God’s Love Story Shines Through the Romance of Boaz and Ruth (click to tweet)