How can we apply the principle of remembrance from Genesis 35:20 today? Setting the scene: Rachel’s memorial “Jacob set up a pillar on her grave; it marks Rachel’s tomb to this day.” (Genesis 35:20) Jacob’s stone marker did three things: - Fixed a physical spot where grief could be expressed and healing remembered - Proclaimed to future generations that Rachel lived and mattered - Declared God’s faithfulness in the midst of sorrow, because the covenant line would still advance through Jacob’s family Scriptural thread: God values tangible reminders - Joshua 4:6-7—twelve stones from the Jordan as a sign “so that this will be a sign among you … Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.” - 1 Samuel 7:12—Samuel raised an Ebenezer, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” - Luke 22:19—Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” - Deuteronomy 6:12—“Be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” - Psalm 77:11—“I will remember the works of the LORD.” - 2 Peter 1:13—“to stir you up by way of reminder.” Timeless lessons on remembering - Remembrance counters spiritual amnesia and anchors faith in real history - Memorials keep testimonies alive for children and grandchildren - Remembering God’s past faithfulness fuels present obedience and future hope - Tangible markers help the heart praise in seasons when feelings lag behind truth Practical ways to remember today Personal markers - Keep a gratitude or answered-prayer journal; revisit entries on anniversaries - Place a Scripture verse or small stone on your desk to mark a major deliverance Family markers - Frame photos or keepsakes tied to moments of God’s provision; share the story during meals - Celebrate “spiritual birthdays,” recounting salvation testimonies each year Community markers - Observe Communion regularly, savoring Luke 22:19 - Set up a church “story wall” of testimonies, mission trips, baptisms, and miracles Digital markers - Create a recurring calendar event with a brief note of a past victory - Record voice memos telling the story; store them in a shared family folder Promises worth remembering - God never abandons His own—Hebrews 13:5 - His mercies are new every morning—Lamentations 3:22-23 - He finishes what He starts—Philippians 1:6 - A crown of life awaits the faithful—James 1:12 Living the principle Building and revisiting memorials—whether stone pillars or digital notes—keeps hearts soft, stories fresh, and praise flowing, just as Jacob’s pillar still spoke “to this day.” |
    |