The Wisdom of Remembering & the Wisdom to ForgetSampel

Setting up memorial stones

When the people of Israel had to cross the river Jordan to enter the land of Canaan, God split the waters to make a path for them. This was a clear sign of his power and of his help for the people. It should never be forgotten. Consequently God commanded them to take twelve large stones and to set up a memorial. This should serve as a reminder for them and their children.

Centuries earlier, their forefathers Abraham and Jacob had also set up memorial stones to remind them what God had promised and how He  had appeared to them.

Such physical reminders can be helpful in our lives as well. You may not have enough space to put up twelve large stones in your garden, but you can hang a photo or a Bible verse that has special meaning for you. You can write the date of your baptism on your birthday calendar. And, of course there are the Christian feasts of Christmas, Good Friday & Easter, Ascension Day, and Pentecost to remind us of God’s salvation work.

What are your dearest memories of God’s work in your life?