MEMORIALS
April 8th | Pastor Gino
In the book of Joshua chapter 4, the people of Israel cross the Jordan river to take the Promised Land. Twelve men are tasked to bring large stones to set up in the river as a memorial to the people of Israel. Joshua tells them the purpose of the stones is that, “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.” (Joshua 4:6-7).
Placing these stones in the river represented a responsibility of one generation to another to teach them about the Lord and His mighty acts of rescue and salvation. It provided fathers an opportunity to tell his children about the Lord and all He had done in his own life and in the life of His people. It gave them the opportunity to pass on their faith and reverence for the Lord and the wisdom that He provides as these memorial stones would compel future generations to ask, “What is this?” and would serve as a means of evangelism to the family and to the world.
Christian parents today have the same responsibility. There may not be literal rivers to cross or stones to set up, but Christian parents do have a testimony of faith to share with their children as they set up memorials of their own. These memorials may look different today but they can still compel children to ask the same question, “What is this and what does it mean to you?” It may be a family bible that is regularly used or a painting or portrait of some sort that is hanging on the wall. It might be the evening ritual of devotions or praying before dinner or while putting the kids to bed at night. Whatever it is, a Christian home ought to be a reflection of what one believes and that compels children to ask, “What do these things mean?”
Because God has set the home as the primary place of teaching and instruction parents have the responsibility of passing down their Christian faith (Deut 6:7; Eph 6:4). A home should reflect that faith in way that honors God and promotes discussions related to the things of Christ. These things should ultimately lead to a child’s understanding of sin, repentance, and the grace of the gospel that is offered in the person and work of Jesus Christ our Lord.
There is no greater joy than when God calls a son or daughter to receive the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. And while this is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit, it is also the responsibility of parents to do as the Lord has commanded in raising their children up in the ways of God. All who are saved are saved by grace alone, thru faith alone, and in Christ alone, but these things never come alone. God uses means, and one of the great means he uses in drawing his children home is parents. May you find many ways to share your stories of deliverance and redemption as you share your faith with your children that they would follow in your footsteps, and come to receive the Lord Jesus Christ.
