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Gone But Not Forgotten

We memorialize people whom we care about after they are gone. Typically, this is done with a headstone at a grave. If the person who passed away had some significant influence, their name may be attached to a building, award, or some other monument as a reminder of what kind of person they were and how their life brought goodness into the world.

I remember the days that followed the death of our Pastor Chuck when we clung to each other as a church body. There was such an urgency in many of  us to maintain his work and keep his legacy alive. His passing birthed my writing journey. Others were more fervent about their faith and how they wanted to live.

Over time, unfortunately, we tend to return to “normal” and forget the fervor we once may have had. That’s why physical memorials are important in keeping a person’s legacy alive. The Israelites were notorious for setting memorials to remind them of what God had done.

“We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.”  Joshua‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ 

There are many occurrences of the Israelites setting up memorials like this one throughout the Old Testament. The Jewish nation has built itself upon remembrance, and they take time to observe the sacred. 

Then came Jesus. He lived, died, and was resurrected, defeating death and sin once and for all. But He had to return to His home in Heaven where He now is our Advocate with God the Father. So what is the memorial left behind on His behalf?

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Mark‬ ‭16:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs. Mark‬ ‭16:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We, the Church, are a memorial to the goodness of God and the sacrifice of Jesus. Although there are places that can be visited as a reminder of Jesus existence, we are the walking and breathing reminders of what He has done. While it’s easy to lapse back into the old way of doing life, when you become a memorial for Christ you are a new creation. The new creation isn’t just a set of stones, a building, or an award. We are living to show the world who Jesus is by what we say and do. Pastor Chuck was a tremendous memorial for Christ. But he wouldn’t want me to do exactly as he did. He would want us to imitate Jesus in our daily lives.

Who or what are you memorializing on a daily basis? I challenge you to be a living memorial for Jesus with your life testifying about the great things He has done.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved


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