3/12/13

From Gary V. Womack... A MONUMENTAL OCCASION


A MONUMENTAL OCCASION

Great events in history are often marked by monuments that are intended to remind us & keep them before us.

To teach future generations
For the benefit of eyes who were not present to see Plymouth Rock - A reminder of the first settlers from Europe seeking religious freedom.

In Washington DC there are many monuments

Washington Monument - In memory of the "father of our nation" and an honest man of integrity.

Lincoln Memorial - In memory of "honest Abe" & one who had faith in God - a leader
among men during dark days in our nation's early history.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier & Arlington Cemetery - Korean Memorial - Vietnam Memorial - World War 2 Memorial

Grim reminders of bravery and the price of freedom that was paid by so many.

Statue of Liberty - A reminder of freedom & its invitation to the world.



None of these monuments compare to those found in God's word.
In its pages are found a storehouse of great events - all pointing toward the central theme of the bible; Jesus Christ.

Physical death - A reminder of sin's introduction in the garden of Eden. Teach children!

Gen. 2:17 "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day you eat of it you shall surely die."

A reminder of man's separation from God because of sin:

Rom. 5:12 "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned -"

Rainbow - A reminder of God's wrath on man's wickedness & His mercy on His faithful.  Also a reminder of God's faithfulness in His covenants. We did not see it

Gen. 9:8-17 God promised not to destroy earth by another flood. 

Also an opportunity to teach future generations.
2 Pet. 3:1-7 The earth is reserved for a final destruction by fire.

Crossing the Jordan - God provided a memorial for them to remember this event.

Josh. 3:14 - 4:7 A monument of 12 stones on the west bank of the Jordan would serve as an opportunity to teach future generations.


The Passover - A reminder of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage.

Ex. 12:1-27 A memorial of freedom to be taught to future generations.

The greatest monument in human history looks to a cross

The Lord's Supper - A reminder of our deliverance from the bondage of sin.

Mt. 26:26-29 Jesus instituted this memorial before His death. It is a reminder of our deliverance from the bondage of sin:

Rom. 6:17-18 "But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered (entrusted). (18) And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness."

1 Cor. 6:20 "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

Eph. 2:1-13 A reminder for future generations - "in the ages to come"

Eph. 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ."

1 Cor. 11:23-ff A memorial to be observed when assembling together. Failure to do so leads to spiritual weakness & death.

Heb. 10:1-30 Looking to Jesus' sacrifice - be faithful to remember.

INVITATION

The Statue of Liberty beckons the weary to come to our shore for relief:

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Jesus invites all who are weary to come to Him for relief from the burden of sin:

Mt. 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."