In the Bible, a memorial refers to something established to remind people of an event, person, or covenant, often serving as a way to honor and remember God’s deeds. For example, in Exodus 12:14, the Passover is described as a memorial feast to remember God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
Scripture
14 “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.”
15 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven out of your houses, for if anyone eats what is leavened, from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel.
16 On the first day you shall hold a holy assembly, and on the seventh day a holy assembly. No work shall be done on those days. But what everyone needs to eat, that alone may be prepared by you.
17 And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day, throughout your generations, as a statute forever.
Biblical Significance of Memorials
The concept of a memorial in the Bible serves as a profound reminder of God’s faithfulness and the pivotal events that have shaped the history of His people. It is rooted in the idea of remembrance, encouraging believers to reflect on divine interventions in their lives and communities. For instance, in Exodus 12:14, the Passover meal is instituted as a “memorial” to perpetually commemorate the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt—a key act of redemption that signifies both physical liberation and a deeper spiritual salvation. The act of remembering serves not only to honor God’s deeds but also to instill a sense of collective identity and continuity among the people of Israel.
Later, in the New Testament, the theme of memorial continues with the institution of the Lord’s Supper, where Jesus instructs His disciples to “do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). This sacrament acts as a memorial of Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, inviting believers to reflect on the magnitude of God’s love and the new covenant established through Jesus. Additionally, throughout the Psalms (such as Psalm 77:11-12), the faithful are encouraged to remember the works of the Lord, effectively linking memory with worship. Such memorial practices underscore the importance of acknowledging God’s providence and grace in the lives of believers, fostering a faith that is deeply rooted in the history of God’s engagements with humanity. In essence, biblical memorials serve as critical touchpoints for faith, encouraging ongoing reflection, gratitude, and the sharing of God’s story across generations.
In addition to the commemorations found throughout the scriptures, memorials in the Bible often function as tangible symbols of faith and divine promises. For example, Joshua’s directive to the Israelites to set up memorial stones after crossing the Jordan River serves as a powerful illustration of this principle. These stones were designated to provoke questions from future generations, prompting the elders to recount the miraculous crossing and God’s faithfulness. This act of physical remembrance illustrates how memorials serve not only as markers of God’s intervention but also as educational instruments that facilitate the transmission of faith narratives to the next generation, ensuring that the story of God’s deeds remains alive within the community.
Moreover, the practice of memorializing within the biblical context often extends to personal experiences of divine interaction. In 1 Samuel, we see Samuel establishing a stone he names Ebenezer, meaning “stone of help,” after a victory over the Philistines. By naming the stone, Samuel provides a lasting reminder of God’s assistance in times of trouble, inviting believers to look back at their own experiences and recognize the moments when God has intervened in their lives. This theme is echoed throughout the scriptures, as memorials become spaces for gratitude and reflection, inviting individuals to acknowledge their past and shape their faith in light of God’s unchanging character. Ultimately, the biblical meaning of memorial is multifaceted, encompassing both communal identity and personal revelation, highlighting the persistent call to remember and celebrate the myriad ways God interacts with His creation.
Remembrance of God’s Faithfulness
In the Bible, memorials serve as powerful reminders of God’s faithfulness throughout history. They are established to commemorate significant events where God intervened in the lives of His people, reinforcing the idea that remembering these moments strengthens faith and trust in God’s ongoing presence and provision. By reflecting on past deliverances and blessings, believers are encouraged to maintain hope and confidence in God’s promises for the future.
Teaching Future Generations
Memorials in the biblical context also function as educational tools for future generations. They are not only meant to be personal reminders but also communal markers that instill a sense of identity and heritage. By recounting the stories associated with these memorials, families and communities pass down vital lessons about faith, obedience, and the importance of remembering God’s actions. This practice fosters a collective memory that shapes the spiritual lives of subsequent generations.
Call to Worship and Gratitude
Another significant aspect of memorials in the Bible is their role in prompting worship and gratitude. They serve as focal points for expressing thankfulness to God for His deeds and mercies. By establishing memorials, believers are called to pause and reflect on the goodness of God, leading to acts of worship that acknowledge His sovereignty and grace. This practice cultivates a heart of gratitude, encouraging a lifestyle that honors God through remembrance and praise.
How to Cultivate a Grateful Heart in Faith
Cultivating a grateful heart in faith is a beautiful journey that transforms our perspective on life and deepens our relationship with God. Start by intentionally setting aside time each day to reflect on the blessings in your life, no matter how small they may seem—perhaps a warm cup of coffee, a kind word from a friend, or the beauty of nature around you. Consider keeping a gratitude journal where you can jot down these moments, allowing you to see God’s hand at work in your daily life. Additionally, immerse yourself in Scripture; verses like 1 Thessalonians 5:18 remind us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” This practice not only shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have but also fosters a spirit of joy and contentment. Finally, share your gratitude with others—expressing thanks to God in prayer and acknowledging the kindness of those around you can create a ripple effect of positivity and encouragement. Remember, gratitude is not just a feeling; it’s a choice we make every day to recognize and celebrate God’s goodness in our lives.
Bible References to the Meaning of Memorial:
Exodus 28:12-29: 12 And you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for remembrance.
13 You shall make settings of gold filigree,
14 two chains of pure gold, twisted like cords; and you shall attach the corded chains to the settings.
15 “You shall make a breastpiece of judgment, in skilled work. In the style of the ephod you shall make it—of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen shall you make it.
16 It shall be square and doubled, a span its length and a span its breadth.
17 You shall set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle shall be the first row;
18 and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;
19 and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;
20 and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold filigree.
21 There shall be twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They shall be like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes.
22 You shall make on the breastpiece twisted chains like cords, of pure gold.
23 You shall make on the breastpiece two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece.
24 and you shall put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece.
25 And the other two ends of the two cords you shall attach to the two settings of filigree, and so attach it in front to the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
26 And you shall make two rings of gold, and attach them to the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its front, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.
27 And you shall make two rings of gold, and attach them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its seam above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.
28 And they shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it may lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, so that the breastpiece shall not come loose from the ephod.
29 So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart, when he goes into the Holy Place, to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord.
Joshua 4:1-9: 1 When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua,
2 “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man,
3 and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’”
4 Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe.
5 And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel,
6 that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’
7 then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”
8 And the people of Israel did just as Joshua commanded and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, just as the Lord told Joshua. And they carried them over with them to the place where they lodged and laid them down there.
9 And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant had stood; and they are there to this day.
1 Samuel 7:10-12: 10 As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But the Lord thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel.
11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them, as far as below Beth-car.
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.”
Psalm 111:4-5: 4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
Isaiah 56:5-7: 5 I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off.
6 “And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant—”
7 these I will bring to my holy mountain,
and make them joyful in my house of prayer;
their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house shall be called a house of prayer
for all peoples.”
Matthew 26:6-13: 6 Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,
7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table.
8 But when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?
9 For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.
10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me.
11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.
12 in pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial.
13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.
Mark 14:3-9: 3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.
4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that?
5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her.
6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.
7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me.
8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial.
9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”
Luke 22:19-20: 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
John 12:1-8: 1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table.
3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said,
5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”
6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.”
8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
Acts 10:1-4: 1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort,
2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.
3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.”
4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26: 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,
24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Hebrews 11:4-6: 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Revelation 14:12-13: 12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.