Two Events, One Purpose: Remember

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“What do these stones mean?… He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God. Joshua 4:21,24 NIV

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” I Samuel 7:12 NIV

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. Acts 2:1-2 NIV

“That Nation which respects and honors its dead, shall ever be respected and honored itself.” (Lt. Col. Edmund B. Whitman, 1868). Pentecost Sunday and Memorial Day are two very different yet equally important events that share the same weekend this year. One marks the beginning of life and power, while the other commemorates those who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom. One is celebrated globally in every nation, while the other is confined to a single nation.

The United States set aside Memorial Day to honor the men and women who died in military conflicts. Though this day is uniquely observed in the U.S., many other countries also set aside a day to remember their men and women who died serving their nation.

The concept of Memorial Day emerged shortly after the Civil War, when it was known as Decoration Day and graves were adorned with flowers and other decorations. B.K. Waltke writes, “Remembering the past plays a vital role in the identity of any nation. Sociologists claim that a society aspiring to endure must become a community of memory and hope.”

James Garfield, Ohio congressman and a future United States president, spoke at Arlington National Cemetery to commemorate the first ‘Decoration Day’ and said, “I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. If silence is ever golden, it must be here beside the graves of fifteen thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung….We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country, they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.” (May 30, 1868)

Historians estimate that more than 1,300,000 men and women have died in the wars and conflicts the United States has been involved in since the American Revolutionary War. Each number represents a man or woman whose story ended much too soon, never getting to finish their life journey. A statistic on paper, but for families, a loved one, now only a picture on the wall, a memory kept alive through stories. Memorial Day allows us to reflect on the cost of freedom that others get to enjoy because of their sacrifice.

“Rest, comrades, rest and sleep!

The thoughts of men shall be as sentinels to keep

Your rest from danger free.

Your silent tents of green

We deck with fragrant flowers

Yours has the suffering been, The memory shall be ours. (stanza 5&6, Decoration Day, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

Whether it is a pile of stones, a monument, or a specific day, history is filled with reminders that tell the next generation about a sacrifice that took place. World War II Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel wrote, “Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, no future.”

Memorial Day and Pentecost Sunday are two very different occasions, yet both serve as reminders of events that changed history. Memorial simply means serving to preserve remembrance. Memorial Day gives us pause to reflect on the lives of those who gave their lives for freedom. On Pentecost Sunday, we rejoice and celebrate the birth of the church, which has become the embodiment of Christ (1 Cor 12:12-27), as we “Go and make disciples of all nations.” From this small group of about 120 disciples, a worldwide body of over 2.6 million Christians has grown.

Pentecost changed everything for Peter, this first small group of followers, and for us, generations later. There was no turning back for them, and no turning back for us. Dr. Ray Pritchard writes of Pentecost, “That is when thousands come into the faith. And it goes from this little sect of believers who followed a Jewish rabbi from Nazareth who died and rose again, and suddenly the church breaks forth into the culture. Suddenly, it is that unstoppable force that no one can really deny any longer. Pentecost has taken on a new significance for us. It, at one point, is just a historical memory. Now it is the living reality of the moment that the spirit of God seemingly burst forth.”

We remember and are grateful as a nation for the 1.3 million who have been killed fighting for freedom. Yet Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary estimates that more than 70 million Christians have been martyred over the past two millennia. Pentecost and Memorial Day are completely different, yet both events were born of costly commitments and sacrifice. “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” I Corinthians 12:27

Blessings on this weekend of remembrance.

God is great!

A weekly devotional post offering encouragement, hope, and purpose in Jesus

In Our Worst Moments, Jesus Is There

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I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. Romans 8:18-19 NIV

What do you do when life doesn’t seem on track? Do you look to Jesus for clarity? What if he doesn’t seem to respond? It is hard to stay focused when our minds are pulled in multiple directions and how we respond makes all the difference. Dave Veerman reminds us, “Remember, Jesus is never late. In his infinite understanding, perfect timing, and deep concern, he will hear your cry, answer your prayer, and bring life. In the meantime, keep resting in his sovereignty and trusting in his love.”

In the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, a small, neat row of 20 simple stones dots the countryside. No names are carved on the stones, and without the story, their purpose is unclear. Undisturbed for more than 100 years, these simple stones mark the final resting place of Orelena and John Puckett’s babies. Married at 16, they moved to the rugged Appalachian wilderness to start a new life together. In 1862, she gave birth to Julia Ann, their first baby, who died a few months later of diphtheria.

Orelena became pregnant 24 times, but not one baby lived past infancy, and no baby ever called her mama. Baby after baby was laid to rest in the neat row, marked by a stone. The woman who would never know the love of her own baby would go on to deliver over 1,000 babies. In her mid-forties, she found her calling as a midwife and, over the next 49 years, traveled the mountains of Virginia, helping deliver babies. Orlena had no formal training or modern equipment, but she had an unwavering determination that no baby would die if she could prevent it. She delivered her last baby at 94, never losing a single baby or mother. Aunt Orlena left a legacy of compassion and care. (sources: National Park Service, Library of Virginia, and NC History Center)

What a great comfort Orelena would have had if she had been able to read the book of Job. Unfortunately, Orelena did not know how to read, but she would have found encouragement and hope in Job’s life as he faced adversity that did not make sense to him. Job redefined tragedy for all of us. Job’s morning began as usual until one messenger after another arrived. First, he heard that his oxen and donkeys had all been stolen. Then another reported that all his sheep and the servants had died in a natural disaster. Then another reported that all his camels had been stolen and his workers murdered. Then the last messenger brought the worst news, that all of his sons and daughters were dead, killed in a storm.

One horrible event after another left Job with nothing. His wealth, family, and health were gone. What did Job have left? Integrity, righteousness, and an unwavering faith in God. Job’s story shows how to respond to overwhelming catastrophe: “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship.” (Job 2:20). Job modeled lament mixed with worship, devastation with faith, and loss with trust.

What can you do when faced with a Job-sized dilemma? You reach a place where you can hear God’s voice rather than the naysayers, even if they are friends or family members. Job’s three friends kept telling him that if only he would repent, God would restore his fortune. His wife came to him and said, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9)

Job desperately needed to hear God’s voice, so God captured Job’s attention with a powerful rebuke. “The LORD said to Job: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!’” (Job 40:1-2) Then came question after question until Job finally reached the point where he could hear God and say, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted… My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.” (42:2,5)

Where do you turn when faced with a Job-sized dilemma? Joni Eareckson Tada was an energetic, full-of-life 17-year-old until a tragic diving accident left her a quadriplegic. She came to embrace her limitations and, for nearly 60 years, has lived by God’s love and strength. “Heartache forces us to embrace God out of desperate, urgent need. God is never closer than when your heart is aching. True wisdom is found in trusting God when you can’t figure things out.”

Who are you when a crisis seems ready to overwhelm you? If your identity is bound up in the problem, you will begin to look like the problem. If your identity is bound up in Jesus, you will be transformed and become a transformer. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

Orelena could have found her identity as a woman who lost 24 babies, but she chose to define herself by bringing life to hundreds of babies in a time when infant mortality was estimated to be 30-50%. Job could have found his identity in his devastating losses, but he chose to define himself by being righteous and faithful. Joni could have found her identity in being a quadriplegic, but she chose to define herself by helping others. She founded Joni and Friends, an organization devoted to providing “practical hope and Gospel hope to people with disabilities around the world.”

“The resurrection means that our grief and sorrow and pain have an expiration date. The world as it is now is under the curse, but God will lift it once and for all. (Rev 22:3) No more sin. No more cancer. No more dementia. No more suffering. No more death. God “will swallow up death forever” (Isaiah 25:8) –Randy Alcorn

I am so thankful that God meets us in our worst moments. He is with us through it all, giving us the encouragement, strength, and hope to face another day. In Christ, God is at work to restore, redeem, and rebuild what has been destroyed.

God is great!

A weekly devotional post to offer encouragement, hope, and purpose found in Jesus.

 

Passing On A Legacy Of Faith

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She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26 NIV

“For the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.” William Ross Wallace penned this poem over 100 years ago, and the words still hold true. The second Sunday of May marks the one day a year in the United States that recognizes mothers for all their efforts and the impact they have on each one of us. This one day out of the year was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson’s proclamation in 1914 in recognition of mothers.

History is filled with the stories of great men and women who owe their foundation of success to a praying, faithful mother. God uses the imagery of a mother’s love to help Israel understand His judgment and hope. “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 66:13)

John and Charles Wesley became leaders in a powerful spiritual awakening, yet behind them stood a powerful prayer-warrior mother, Suzanna. Her ten children knew that when she pulled her apron over her head, she had entered her prayer closet, creating a sacred place within a chaotic home where she prayed for each of their spiritual walks.

Charles H. Spurgeon became known as “The Prince of Preachers,” yet behind him was his praying mother, Eliza Spurgeon. She prayed fervently for him and all her children that they would walk faithfully before God all the days of their lives. Spurgeon’s brother, James, wrote of his mother: “She was the starting point of all the greatness and goodness any of us, by the grace of God, have ever enjoyed.”

James Hudson Taylor became the missionary to the nations, yet behind him was his praying mother, Amelia Hudson. She was a mother unknown to the world, but not in the kingdom of God. She never stopped praying for her rebellious son that he would come to faith. Hudson Taylor would embark for China in 1853, where he would spend 54 years as a missionary to the people and establish China Inland Missions. He left knowing that his mother was still praying for him.

Timothy became a leader in the early church, yet behind him were his praying mother, Eunice, and his praying grandmother, Lois. Paul, writing to Timothy, acknowledged this great legacy that was being passed down to the next generation. “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. (2 Timothy 1:5)

Samuel became the prophet to the nation and anointed the line of David, yet behind him was a praying mother, Hannah. “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life…” (I Samuel 1:11)

Luther Little became a prominent Baptist pastor in the last century, yet behind him was a praying mother. At 15, Little knew he was called to preach. His family all made fun of him, except his mother. However, she would never live to hear him preach. The day he was to preach his first sermon, his mother wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t go. She told him, “You go on, and when you come back, you can tell me about it.” Three months later, at her deathbed, each of the boys said their goodbyes, but to her youngest, Luther, she told him, “You go on and preach the gospel, and when it is over, come on home, and I will be standing at the gate, and then you can tell me all about it.” Years later, Dr. Little wrote, “I am going on to preach the gospel as she said, and when it is over, I expect to find her at the gate, and through all eternity, I can tell her all about it.” (from an article by Joe McKeever)

“Woman, how divine your mission

Here upon our natal sod!

Keep, oh, keep the young heart open

Always to the breath of God!

All true trophies of the ages

Are from mother-love impearled;

For the hand that rocks the cradle

Is the hand that rules the world.” (Third verse of the poem, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle)

Mother’s Day consumer spending in the U.S. this year is expected to reach a record $38 billion. For this reason, Anna Jarvis, who championed the original idea of Mother’s Day, opposed its commercialization. What she envisioned was a simple day of remembrance. However, most of the $38 billion of flowers, jewelry, candy, and cards are from the heart to tell mothers and wives how important they are in your life.  Economist and researcher Mark Matthews writes, “Consumers are gifting from the heart, seeking unique gifts that create lasting memories for the mothers in their lives.”

Mother’s Day! What a great reminder to honor those who rock the cradle because praying mothers will raise up young men and women who will go on to rule the world. Mothers who may not make Time’s magazine Person of the Year or become social network influencers, but their calling will be greater, becoming eternal influencers through godly children. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Proverbs 31:30-31)

God is Great! Ps 70:4

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Walking In Faith

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Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for…These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:1-2,39-40

What is your earliest memory that helped shape your childhood? Depending on how many years or decades have passed since that event, it may take a little longer to remember.  I attended Sunday School, but for the most part, my life was centered on the farm where I grew up. There were no preschool or kindergarten options, so that first day, as a first grader, walking into the classroom was a new experience. My mother’s hand was my security until it wasn’t. What gave me hope and confidence was knowing she would be at the driveway at the end of the school day, waiting for me to get off the bus. My certainty rested on knowing, without a doubt, that she was always there for me.

For me, that confidence never wavered, but for many, that mother’s hand of security or a father’s strong arm wasn’t there. Over time, other things began to fill that vacuum and took that person’s hand, leading them down dark roads of doubt, fear, and hopelessness. All of us need a hand to hold onto. For some, that hand is addiction, money, sex, or religion. The good news is that God reaches out his hand for those who will take it and hold on.

We all like a hand we can touch, feel, grip, and see, but God offers a different hand, a hand of faith. “For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). The grasp we have on addiction, money, sex, or religion seems real until it unwinds like a magician’s empty box. What seemed real turns out to be only an illusion. What God offers may seem invisible, but in reality, it is the only real thing to hold on to.

Faith is often hard to grasp when we need to see something tangible. Yet in those moments, God offers us more than enough to keep moving forward. He offers himself. Thomas had been with Jesus from the beginning and had walked the same roads with him. Yet when he missed the first appearance of the resurrected Jesus, his faith wavered. “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25)

I am so glad John included Thomas’ story of doubt. I have known many amazing followers of Jesus, and most of them have shared similar stories of confusion, frustration, and challenges. Faith doesn’t keep us from doubt, but it carries us through the doubt. In his great love for Thomas, Jesus walked through another locked door for him. “A week later, his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (20:26-27)

Thomas came face-to-face with his doubts. However, he also came face-to-face with faith and made a bold statement about it. “My Lord and my God!” Jesus used the moment as a powerful teaching opportunity and gently reprimanded him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Others will always follow in Thomas’s footsteps of doubt, yet we can take our doubts, like Thomas, and use his example as a powerful confession of faith in Jesus. Thomas accepted the reprimand and went on to live out a life of faith. Early church tradition records that Thomas was a missionary to India, where he preached the gospel and established a lasting legacy of Christian communities. Thomas was eventually martyred for his faith. His was a journey from questioning to unwavering belief.

We want everything laid out in plain sight, with no uncertainty in our plans. Yet it is amazing faith that creates an unbelievable landscape of life. Oswald Chambers writes, “Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways; we do not know what a day may bring forth.” However, instead of being discouraged, it is in those moments of doubt that we feel we hear the words, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Chambers went on to write about uncertainty, “it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God…He packs our life with surprises all the time…We are not uncertain of God, but uncertain of what He is going to do next…When we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy.”

Faith is a gift that God delights to give. “God knows what we lack and what we need. He made each of us as we are, and in our character is the raw material he will use to make us who we can become.” (Claire Cloninger)

We are invited to ask for faith. When the father was confronted with his doubts and lack of faith, he cried out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). This is a prayer that God delights to answer.

There are days when we may not be sure of the uncertainty and long for a little more certainty, but what we can do is trust God. We can be certain that he knows the plans he has for us. We take one step amid uncertainty and find ourselves in step with the certainty of God.

Lord, let me live a life of amazing uncertainty because I live a life that is certain of you.

God is great!

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