1. In Psalm 135:13 two matters are mentioned in connection with the Lord that are everlasting: a. His name endures forever b. His memorial endures throughout all generations. 2. According to the Scriptures, the Lord, whose memorial is everlasting, has established a number of memorials for His people. 3. In our lesson we are examining several of these memorials. 4. We will see that the Lord has always intended for His people to remember certain things. 5. Let us first consider . . .
Discussion:
I. 4 MEMORIALS THAT THE LORD ESTABLISHED FOR THE ISRAELITES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
A. The Lord established Passover for the Israelites (Exodus 12). 1. After giving instructions about how and when Passover was to be observed (vs.1-13), the Lord stated that it was "a memorial" (vs.14). 2. The Lord wanted His people to remember how He had delivered them from the Egyptians (vs.25-27). B. The Lord established the blowing of trumpets as a memorial for the Israelites (Leviticus 23:23-25). 1. Trumpets were to be blown on the 1st day of the 7th month. 2. That day was observed as a sabbath, and an offering was to be made. C. The Lord established the showbread in the tabernacle as a memorial for the Israelites (Leviticus 24:5-9). D. The Lord established a memorial from 12 stones that were placed where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River (Joshua 4:1-7). E. These memorials, as well as others, were established by the Lord to help His people to remember certain events and to observe holy days. F. Let us turn our attention to . . .
II. 2 MEMORIALS THAT THE LORD MENTIONED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
A. First, the Lord associated a good deed with a memorial (Mark 14:3-9). 1. Mark did not reveal this woman's identity, but John identified her as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 11:2; 12:1-8). 2. Jesus commended Mary's act of kindness and said that it would "be spoken of her for a memorial of her." 3. See Hebrews 6:10 B. Second, the Lord taught that His Supper would be a memorial (Luke 22:19-20). 1. The Lord selected unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine as the elements of His Supper. 2. We learn from Acts 20:7 that the Lord's Supper is to be eaten on the 1st day of the week. 3. The purpose for eating the Lord's Supper is to help us remember what Jesus did on our behalf (1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23-26).
Conclusion:
1. Over the years the Israelites stopped observing their memorials, and they forgot God. 2. They paid a high price for their mistakes. 3. Let us learn from their mistakes and avoid them.
