Lesson Nineteen

The Enemy of Forgetfulness or Will Anyone Know You Were Here?

 

Introduction:

Various epitaphs

[1]. A bronze tablet stands outside Bethany Church in Philadelphia with an inscription which says: "In loving memory of John Wanamaker - founder. By reason of him many went away and believed on Jesus."

[2]. In a churchyard - inscribed by a husband of 60 years: "She always made home happy."

[3]. In a little graveyard in a small village in memory of a devoted soul who spent all her time tirelessly serving her community: "She has done what she couldn't."

[4]. In Florida Donald Wells has developed a televised tombstone priced at $6000 each. A stainless steel boxed TV is imbedded in the grave marker; you press a button and view a ten minute videotaped obituary of the diseased. In case you're interested, it's bulletproof and will last 500 years!

Obviously, we are not here to brainstorm ideas for our tombstones. However, each of us as Christian women are obligated to build a memorial in our life...something of value that will outlive us. There are two reasons for this:

[1]. (Deut. 6:12) So God will not be forgotten. (Ps. 88:12) says: "Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?" America is indeed a dark land of forgetfulness.

[2]. (Ps. 78:5-7; Deut. 4:9) For the benefit of the next generation. If we don't leave a memorial behind, what will happen to the next generation? A father was explaining to his son what a Christian is. He felt a stab in his heart he would never forget when his son said, "Dad, have I ever seen a Christian?"

Whether you intend to or not, you raise memorials as you live your life...reminders that will remain long after you are gone. (Rom. 14:7) says "For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself."

Let's look to the Bible for examples of memorials, positive and negative:

A. A Memorial of Destruction (Ex. 17:14)

[1]. The Amalekites were longtime enemies of the Israelites.

[2]. God's promise to destroy them was written down and fulfilled under Saul in (1 Sam. 15).

[3]. If you're raising a memorial of destruction, which way will it go?

 

Negative
gossiper
talebearer

Positive
upholder of God's work destroyer of sin in your life 

B. A Memorial of Discord (Num. 16:39-40)

[1]. Chapter (16) is the story of a man named Korah and how God killed those who rebelled against God's established leadership...they are swallowed! Also note verses 34 and 41. Can you believe that the horror of this event only stayed with Israel one day since they resume their slander of Moses and rebellion against God on the next day?

 

Negative
Discourager

(Prov. 6:19) - Note that one of the seven things that God hates in those that sow discord among the brethren.

Positive
Encourager

1. Do you pray for your pastor, your fellow church members Sunday School teachers, etc.?
2. Do you offer words of encouragement or thankfulness?

Remember what happened to the rebellious in (vs. 41)!

C. Memorial of Deliverance (Est. 9:22-28)

[1]. The story of Esther is a relatively familiar one. Esther, a Jewess and the wife of the king, is given the opportunity to save her people from annihilation by the wicked Hamman. Because of her bravery an entire nation is delivered, and the yoke of bondage is broken.

 

Negative
Life of bondage
[1]. Held captive by sin
[2]. Defeated Christian life

Positive
Victorious Life
[1]. Released from sin's grip
[2]. Happy, fruitful life 

D. Memorial of Destiny (Heb. 11:5-6)

A Sunday School, determined to make sure her class understood the story of Enoch, repeated, "And Enoch was not, for God took him" over and over again. However, upon review, one of the children said, "Enoch was not what God took him for!"

[1]. Undoubtedly, one of the most valuable memorials you can leave behind is that "she pleased God."

[2]. Enoch, only one of millions upon earth at that time, was chosen by God to be "translated."

[3]. Note in (verse 6) that faith is essential in pleasing God. How about this one your tombstone: "She had great faith."

E. Memorial of Devotion (Acts 10:1-4)

[1]. Prayer warrior and unselfish giver

[2]. Cornelius' memorial was twofold: prayer and alms. His prayers captured God's attention.

[3]. Because of this memorial God honored Cornelius by using him as a vehicle to open Peter's eyes to the spreading of the gospel to the Gentiles. Remember, those who hoard the most to themselves have the least.

F. Memorial of Dedication (Matt. 26:6-13)

[1]. A life dedicated to the Lord.

[2]. Mary sets the standard for excellence in dedication.

[3]. Obviously, she is the only one who really listened to Jesus in verse 2 which proves she was a lover of God's word. She had a firm grip on immediate service to God and acted when the opportunity presented itself.

[4]. With uncompromising standards, she erected her memorial in spite of what others thought or said.

[5]. Willing to serve regardless of the cost, Mary gave no thought as to what the memorial cost her. Your memorial should cost you something. You expect to pay a handsome price for a headstone...should you not have to pay a price for what you "spiritual headstone" will say?

Conclusion:

Everyone ought to fear to die until he has done something that will live.

 

WHAT KIND OF MEMORIAL WILL YOU LEAVE BEHIND???
 

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