God's Memorial Day - Message #410 - May 28, 2006

Memorial Day is set aside each year to remember those who gave their lives in the armed forces. We remember those who died on far away battlefields to bring freedom and democracy to oppressed peoples. We commemorate their actions by honoring them in ceremonies across the land. We sometimes call it Decoration Day because we decorate the graves of fallen heroes with flags and flowers.

When Israel crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land for the first time, God commanded Joshua to pile up a heap of stones at the place. "So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever." The stones memorialized God's great grace.

As a great statue of David memorializes the work of Michelangelo, the universe commemorates the genius of the living God. "The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands" (Psalm 19:1). We see His might, power, glory and strength in the brightness of the distant stars, the glow of the blazing comet, and in the shadow of a lunar eclipse.

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made" (Romans 1:20). The universe is God's Memorial. Every day is therefore God's Memorial Day.

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I really appreciate this article Chad.

I am 22 years old and a proud South African. This is just a bit of South African History concerning the Nation I am a part of. I am an Afrikaans South African. Please read this article and tell me your views about it. This has been part of my total belief in Christ. My forefathers had first hand experience with God, they knew He existed. I believe in His awesome power. I just hope and pray that we can continue to keep our vow to God.

Please read:

The Battle of Blood River (Afrikaans: Slag van Bloedrivier) was fought on 16 December 1838 on the banks of the Blood River (Bloedrivier) in what is today KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A group of about 470 Voortrekkers, led by Andries Pretorius, defended a laager (circle of ox wagons) against Zulu impis, ruled by King Dingane and led by Dambuza (Nzobo) and Ndlela kaSompisi, numbering between 10 and 20 thousand.

On 15 December the Voortrekkers received word that a big Zulu force was approaching. Pretorius chose an excellent site next to the Blood river (then the Ncome river), where their ox wagons were arranged into a laager. In spite of mist settling that evening, it was clear the next day. Before the battle commenced, the Voortrekkers made a vow to God that, should they be delivered, they would build a church and commemorate the day as a Sabbath.

The Zulus repeatedly and unsuccessfully attacked the laager, until Pretorius ordered a group of horse riders to leave the encampment and engage the Zulus. In the fighting, Pretorius was wounded in his left hand by an assegaai (Zulu spear).

Partly due to the fact that the Voortrekkers used rifles against the Zulus' spears, as well as the good location and motivation of the Voortrekkers, only three Voortrekkers were wounded and none perished; that contrasted against the more than 3,000 Zulu warriors who died.

16 December is a public holiday in South Africa; before 1994 it was known as the Day of the Vow or Day of the Covenant; but today it is the Day of Reconciliation.


Please note this is an article I got from the internet, the vow was not just a normal promise, it was an absolute vow to God. The voortrekkers were a God fearing people and they had God's hand protect them that day.

It is good to remember. Biblical too. It was said that people have short memories. The bible cleary indicates that we should not forget the Lords goodness, His deliverance, His salvation.

2Tim 3 v 2 'unthankful', is followed by 'unholy' Being unthankful to the Lord, can lead to degeneration. It is not remembering to be thankful to the Lord, but never forgetting what He has done.

"This do in rememberance of me" said Jesus. At my church we do it every Sunday a.m. No, it has not become a form, the words spoken, so familiar to us, still remain words of life.

Another year, another Memorial day for God in South Africa,

God bless