THE ALTAR OF REMEMBRANCE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Joshua 4:1-7
Key Verse: “That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them, that the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.” — Joshua 4:6-7 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Psalm 103:2, Deuteronomy 6:12, 1 Samuel 7:12, Genesis 35:14-15, Psalm 78:4-7
INTRODUCTION:
In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments when God’s power, mercy, and faithfulness are clearly demonstrated in our lives. These moments are not meant to be forgotten, but remembered and celebrated through spiritual memorials, altars of remembrance. When the children of Israel crossed the Jordan, God instructed Joshua to set up twelve stones as a lasting memorial of His miraculous intervention.
The altar of remembrance serves as a bridge between the past, present, and future. It reminds us that the same God who parted the Jordan River can part any obstacle standing before us today. Forgetting God’s past deeds weakens our faith, but remembering them strengthens our trust and gratitude.
Believers must therefore learn to raise altars of remembrance not necessarily physical structures, but spiritual markers, testimonies, prayers, and acts of worship that continually acknowledge the faithfulness of God. Each victory we experience deserves a memorial that declares, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
1. THE PURPOSE OF AN ALTAR OF REMEMBRANCE
An altar of remembrance is not built for decoration or tradition but for divine purpose. It serves as a constant reminder of God’s presence, promises, and power in our lives. It also helps us keep our faith alive even in difficult seasons.
a) To remind us of God’s mighty acts (Psalm 103:2)
God wants us to consciously recall His blessings and mighty deliverances. Forgetfulness robs us of thanksgiving, but remembrance strengthens our gratitude and faith.
b) To reinforce our faith in God’s promises (Romans 4:20-21)
When we look back at what God has done before, we are encouraged to trust Him for the next miracle. Each testimony becomes a seed for another breakthrough.
c) To inspire worship and thanksgiving (Psalm 9:1-2)
Gratitude flows easily when we reflect on God’s faithfulness. True worship is born from a heart that remembers what God has done.
d) To preserve the legacy of faith for future generations (Psalm 78:4-7)
The altar becomes a teaching tool for our children to know the God of their fathers, ensuring that His mighty works are never forgotten.
Biblical Example: Joshua and the twelve stones at Gilgal (Joshua 4:20-24). These stones reminded Israel and future generations of the miracle God performed at the Jordan River.
2. REMEMBRANCE STRENGTHENS OUR FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD
When we remember what God has done, our faith is energised, and our trust in Him is renewed. Every altar of remembrance strengthens our confidence that God never fails.
a) Remembrance builds courage in trials (Psalm 77:11-12)
Reflecting on God’s past interventions gives us assurance that He will not abandon us in present challenges.
b) Remembrance prevents spiritual pride (Deuteronomy 8:11-14)
Remembering God’s role in our victories keeps us humble, knowing that all our achievements are by His grace.
c) Remembrance rekindles hope in seasons of delay (Lamentations 3:21-23)
When we recall God’s faithfulness, despair gives way to hope, and we find strength to keep believing.
d) Remembrance brings peace in uncertainty (Philippians 4:6-7)
Reflecting on God’s faithfulness calms anxiety, assuring us that He remains in control.
Biblical Example: David remembered God’s deliverance from the lion and the bear, which strengthened his faith to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34-37).
3. BUILDING ALTARS OF REMEMBRANCE IN OUR DAILY LIVES
As believers, we must intentionally create spiritual memorials that remind us and others of God’s faithfulness. This could be through testimonies, acts of giving, worship, or written records of His wonders.
a) Through testimonies and thanksgiving (Psalm 107:1-2)
Testimonies are living memorials. Sharing them honours God and encourages others.
b) Through consistent devotion and prayer (Daniel 6:10)
A life of prayer and devotion builds a continuous altar of remembrance before God.
c) Through acts of giving and service (Luke 7:4-5)
Giving to God’s work or to others in gratitude becomes a memorial offering before Him.
d) Through written records and declarations (Habakkuk 2:2-3)
Writing down testimonies preserves the memory of God’s works and strengthens faith in generations to come.
Biblical Example: Abraham built altars wherever God revealed Himself, leaving a trail of remembrance for his descendants (Genesis 12:7-8; 13:18).
4. THE BLESSINGS OF MAINTAINING A LIFE OF REMEMBRANCE
Those who remember God’s faithfulness enjoy a deeper relationship with Him. They experience sustained blessings, lasting gratitude, and unwavering faith in all circumstances.
a) It sustains our gratitude (Psalm 136:1-3)
Constant remembrance keeps the heart thankful, ensuring continuous fellowship with God.
b) It multiplies divine favour (Psalm 30:4-5)
A grateful heart attracts God’s mercy and favour.
c) It strengthens endurance and patience (Hebrews 10:35-36)
Remembering past victories helps us endure present trials with confidence.
d) It preserves generational blessings (Deuteronomy 7:9)
Those who remember God’s covenant secure blessings for their descendants.
Biblical Example: Samuel raised an altar at Mizpah and named it Ebenezer, saying, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). That altar symbolised lasting victory and divine faithfulness.
CONCLUSION:
The altar of remembrance is not merely symbolic; it is spiritual. It is a testimony that the God who worked yesterday is still at work today. Every believer must build and maintain altars that remind them of God’s faithfulness, ensuring that gratitude never departs from their hearts.
When we remember what God has done, we are strengthened to face what lies ahead. Let every testimony, answered prayer, and divine intervention become a memorial of faith. May your life continually bear witness that the Lord is faithful through all generations.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for every victory and blessing I have experienced in life.
2. Father, forgive me for every time I have forgotten Your goodness and faithfulness.
3. Lord, help me to always remember and recount Your mighty works in my life.
4. Father, let my life continually be an altar of thanksgiving and remembrance.
5. Lord, strengthen my faith through every testimony of Your past deliverances.
6. Father, raise in me a spirit that values and documents Your goodness daily.
7. Lord, let my home and family become a generational altar of remembrance to You.
8. Father, may I never attribute my success to my strength, but to Your mercy and grace.
9. Lord, let every testimony in my life become a seed for greater miracles.
10. Father, keep me humble, thankful, and mindful of Your faithfulness all my days.
