Since the Civil War more than one million lives have been lost on the battle fields, at home and abroad. But we know that as horrendous as that number sounds it is nowhere near correct. Since the beginning of time somewhere in our world a battle has raged, blood has flowed, and lives have been lost.
Have we forgotten the sacrifices that have been made throughout the years? As time marches forward it is far too easy to lose track of what lies behind us.
Perhaps that is why the Old Testament is filled with examples of memorials. Perhaps God did not want us to forget.
One of the most familiar is from Joshua 4 where the Lord instructs there to be 12 stones taken from the river bed and set up as a memorial. These stones were to be a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Christian singer/songwriter Tommy Walker penned these words,
We will remember the works of Your hands
We will stop and give You praise
For great is Thy faithfulness
I have never lost a loved one to the battlefield, but anyone that has suffered loss knows the pain that accompanies it. Perhaps on this day of memorial, we can look back with pride, knowing that the sacrifices made were not in vain. We can share their stories woven together with God’s story and we can say, “We will remember.”
Today as we pause to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice let us not forget the One who paid it all and the sacrifice He made for us. Let’s not forget to share the greatest story ever told.