I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth. - Genesis 9:13-16

Devotion:

Are you as perfect as I am, never forgetting anything? 

I was hesitant to lead with that question because I was worried you might actually think I’m serious. Anyone who knows me knows my memory is not my greatest strength. I put my keys and wallet in the same spot everyday in an effort not to forget them. If I need to bring something with me from my house to the office, I literally have to put it in the doorway to not forget it. And on several occasions, I have stepped over those items and still forgotten to bring them with me. Even when I was the mascot for the OKC Thunder, I had to make a few frantic calls to my wife when I realized I had forgotten my tail or jersey, or yes, even my head one time.

I realize not everyone is as scatterbrained as I am, but we all have limits as humans. I think this is one of the reasons God created memorials for us. From rainbows to the Lord’s Supper, he has given us ways to remember his goodness and faithfulness because he knows we are prone to forget.

In Joshua 4, God stops the flow of the Jordan to let the Israelites pass with the Ark of the Covenant. He then commanded Joshua to have 12 stones removed from the riverbed and stacked where they were to camp that evening. It would become a memorial of what happened that day. Every time they saw those stacked stones, they could remember the promise God fulfilled. It would also give them an opportunity to share this experience with their children when they asked why the stones were there.

Throughout the history of the world, humans have taken this idea of memorials and set aside days to remember certain events from Easter to Valentine’s Day. On the last Monday of May, we celebrate Memorial Day. Originally called Decoration Day, this day was set aside to decorate the graves of those who fought and died in the Civil War. But during World War I the United States found itself involved in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. While I’d like to say I remember those fallen soldiers everyday who fought for my freedom, I would be lying. I need a reminder to stop and intentionally remember that our freedom has a price.

As we take time this Memorial Day to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for us, let’s also take a moment to thank God for giving us the idea of memorials.

PRAYER

Lord, when we see a cross, may we remember your ultimate sacrifice for us. May we be quick to tell the story of how you saved us, the relationship we have with you now, and the hope of eternity with you when this life is over. Amen.

Marc Taylor
Edmond Location Pastor

Marc Taylor is the Crossings Edmond Location Pastor. His desire is to lead the pastors, staff, and congregation to a full life in Christ while being on the same journey with them.

Resources

• Watch this episode of The Journey podcast—NBA Mascot to Church Pastor: Marc Taylor
• Listen to Same God from Crossings Sanctuary Worship
• Read Genesis 9 and Joshua 4 and reflect on how God reminds us of his goodness.

Read More Devotions

Explore other devotions like this one any time at crossings.church/devotions.