Remembering Forward
May 25, 2025
Joshua 4:1-7
These stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day, a time to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. Remembering their sacrifice helps us value the blessings we enjoy and compels us to stand against evil and injustice. Remembering is not only about honoring the past—it shapes how we live in the present and gives direction for the future. This idea is reflected in the story from the book of Joshua, where the Israelites built a memorial from twelve stones taken from the Jordan River after God miraculously stopped its floodwaters so they could enter the Promised Land. These stones served as a permanent reminder of God's power, faithfulness, and presence.
Just as those stones stood as a testimony to God’s help, we too are called to be “living stones,” as described in 1 Peter 2. Through our lives, actions, and faith, we are to reflect the truth of the cross, where Jesus overcame sin and death. The cross is our memorial—rooted in a past event, yet alive with present hope and future promise. Whether at work, school, or in our communities, we are sent into the world as visible evidence of God’s love. Like the stones at the Jordan, we are to stand out as reminders of God’s enduring faithfulness and as beacons of hope for a world in need.
