Read today’s texts first: Genesis 31-33; Luke 13
Build lasting memories with “stone memorials.”
God loves it when we can actually agree with each other. His promised presence in Matthew 18 (where two or three have gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst) is actually in the context of agreement, people resolving their conflicts (18:15-22). No wonder He intervened between Jacob and his feuding father-in-law. Laman obeyed God, who spoke to him through a dream telling him not to exacerbate the situation with thoughtless words. Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Instead Laban and Jacob carefully chose their words to make a covenant, and then marked that agreement with a monument of stones (Genesis 31:44-52).
The same thing happened again a few days later between Jacob and Esau (33:20). God was on hand, first through an angelic visit at Mahanaim (32:1-2), then personally in a late-night wrestling match with Jacob (32:24-32). That was the moment that Jacob’s name and character were changed forever, from Jacob to Israel, from one who wrestles with men (a supplanter) to one who strives with God. The story so clearly illustrates that the way to overcome conflict is through prayer and obedience to God, not through arguing with each other. What struck me in rereading these accounts was the importance of the stone memorials and altars.
Often when great leaders experienced a breakthrough with God or with each other they would erect some kind of permanent monument to remember those covenants. There is such value in creating and preserving memorials - on corporate, family, and personal levels. Stone pillars may not always be practical, but we can at least plaster our walls with meaningful Scriptures, framed marriage licenses, baby dedication certificates, baptism certificates, and photos of special days. Examples in our family include framed photo montages of our children with lyrics from the songs Jan and I wrote and sang over them at their church dedication. The constant reminder of that moment helped guide our decisions in raising our children from that day forward.
“Lord, my prayer today is a song: We will remember, we will remember, we will remember the works of Your hands. We will stop and give You praise for great is Your faithfulness! In this new year, in those special moments of clarity and unity, remind me to set up memorials so I will never forget how faithful You have been to me and my family!”
No comments:
Post a Comment