One of the largest monuments in Washington, DC is the World War II memorial. It really is a fitting tribute to the heroism and courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought in that terrible conflict. At the center of the memorial is a fountain, and on hot days people often take off their shoes and dangle their legs in the water.
My daughter looks on anxiously; she wonders if bare feet are disrespectful. I, on the other hand, take a more lenient view. While the memorial shouldn’t be treated like a pool, it honors those who sacrificed something – their freedom, their plans, their innocence, some even their lives – so that others could live. To live was the point of the entire thing.
Even the most willing servicemember would prefer not to die for their country, but to serve in such a way that they and others might have more life. They consider what they’re saving to be so valuable that they’re willing to protect it with their very lives. For we the beneficiaries, that’s not something to be taken lightly or quickly forgotten. There’s a responsibility that comes with living a ransomed life. The greatest tribute and honor to give such sacrifice is to live, and to live well.
Building memorials isn’t something new. Even in ancient times people set up visible reminders to counteract the human tendency towards amnesia. The Bible mentions several – Joshua and the Israelites built memorials when they passed over the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Joshua 4:4-9). Samuel built a memorial when the Israelites defeated the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:12). But those memorials weren’t about the heroic deeds of men; instead they were reminders of the faithful, extravagant love of God. The awe-inspiring deeds done on behalf of His people.
This is good to remember. Because there will come a day of discouragement, where your enemy will challenge you with doubt. God’s answer to our doubts is always Himself, a reminder of who He is. What He has done is the proof of what He will do.
This is what comforted the psalmist, Asaph, as he dealt with fear and discouragement – “I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about them. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of miracles and wonders!” (Psalm 77:11-14). This was God’s response to Job’s understandable confusion and distress (Job 38-41). And it was His reply to Thomas after the resurrection (John 20:27)
When our circumstances look doubtful, when the enemy suggests that God doesn’t love us, doesn’t care about what’s happening, that He’s powerless to do something about the situation, God’s response is this – I am the Lord. Consider who I am. Don’t forget who I am. When you know who I am, you will understand that I am not your enemy but your friend. That I am inclined to be kind to you, to be merciful, to have compassion, to respond to you, to rescue you. I have the will and the power to do all that is needful. And my timing, while it often won’t match with your timeline, is nevertheless perfect.
We will never go wrong by remembering who God is and all that He has done so that we can live (John 10:10). Life is what He intends for us, wants for us, and has made possible for us.
“I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt, Ethiopia, and Seba as a ransom for your freedom. Others died that you might live. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.” Isaiah 43:3-4, emphasis added
Great read for a trying day.