Good morning,

This week we continue our series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at Genesis 1.

Genesis 1

God of Creation

First Day (v1-5)

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

Second Day (v6-8)

6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

“…God created…” is the key to this week’s lessons. We will observe that God  created all things, in an orderly fashion, in 6 days. As we read this week’s devotions, look at the action words. God was not passive. God created, said, saw, divided, called, and made. That was just the first 2 days.

The first 2 days God created the heaven, earth, light, day, night, firmament, and heaven.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we begin a new series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at Psalm 139.

Psalm 139

God is all knowing, ever present, all powerful, and just

God’s Justice (v17-24)

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Finally, David explores God’s justice. While David trusts God and celebrates His blessings, he is also affected by the sins of those who hate God. David sees God’s enemies as his enemies. As such, David prays for God to destroy those who are evil. David neither takes this responsibility on himself, nor asks for it. Rather, he pleads with God to deal with the wicked. At the same time, David recognizes that he is vulnerable to sin, and asks God to search his heart and mind, leading him in the right way (Psalm 39:17–24).

Psalm 139:17–24 emphasizes God’s justice. Prior sections of this psalm bore witness to God’s omniscience (Psalm 139:1–6), His omnipresence (Psalm 139:7–12), and His omnipotence (Psalm 139:13–16). David rejoices in God’s thoughts and nearness, but despises the wicked around him. He longs for God to slay them. He sees God’s enemies as his own enemies, but is acutely aware of the possibility that sin dwells in him. Therefore, he asks God to search him and lead him in the way everlasting.

Chapter Summary:

In this psalm David marvels at God’s amazing characteristics. God knows everything about him: where he goes, all David’s thoughts and everything about his conduct. The Lord knows what David will say even before David says it. There is no place David can go that God isn’t already present. David marvels at God’s creative work in the womb. He is thankful for God’s innumerable thoughts for him and for God’s presence day and night. Finally, David’s thoughts turn to the wicked. He considers them God’s enemies and his, and longs for God to slay them. David is disgusted by evil people because they rail against God and take His name in vain. He asks God to search his heart to see if any sin is there, and he asks God to lead him in the way everlasting.

(Accessed 5/19/2025 2:15:22 PM © Copyright 2002-2025 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission. www.BibleRef.com)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we begin a new series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at Psalm 139.

Psalm 139

God is all knowing, ever present, all powerful, and just

God’s Omnipotence (All powerful) (v13-16)

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Psalm 139:13–16 describes God’s omnipotence: His attribute of being all-powerful.

Next, the psalm celebrates God’s incredible power and creativity: His omnipotence. David specifically focuses on the intricate design of the human body. Even before the moment of conception, God is at work in forming a person. In the womb, each person is already an image-bearer of God, and an example of His masterful creative work (Psalm 139:13–16).

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we begin a new series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at Psalm 139.

Psalm 139

God is all knowing, ever present, all powerful, and just

God’s Omniscience (All knowing)(v 1-6)

O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

Psalm 139 begins by expressing the infinite knowledge of God. This attribute is also referred to as omniscience. This extends to everything a person does, thinks, and says, even before those actions occur. As stated elsewhere in the Bible, God’s mind is inexpressibly beyond that of any person (Isaiah 55:8–9). This is both a source of comfort for those who honor God and a dire warning to those who defy Him (Psalm 139:1–6).

Psalm 139:1–6 extols God’s infinite knowledge. David views God as knowing all about him: when he sits down and gets up, his thoughts and conduct, and even the words that are in his mind before he expresses them. He states that God’s knowledge is far beyond his comprehension. This section of the psalm precedes the section that focuses on God’s omnipresence—his presence everywhere.

God’s Omnipresence (Ever present) (7-12)

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

David then declares God’s omnipresence: His existence and influence in all places and at all times. To describe this, David describes various far-off or remote locations. In any of these, no matter what a person does, they cannot escape God. Those who try to run from God, as Jonah did (Jonah 1:1–4), will find it an impossible task. In David’s case, this is reassuring knowledge. He is confident that God will be with him, no matter where he goes or where life leads (Psalm 139:7–12).

Psalm 139:7–12 follows a passage focused on God’s omniscience. This section of the psalm describes His omnipresence: His ability to be everywhere at once. David mentions some of the places he might go, only to discover that God is there. The knowledge of God’s presence comforted David. He knew God would be with him everywhere he went.

God’s Omnipotence (All powerful) (v13-16)

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Psalm 139:13–16 describes God’s omnipotence: His attribute of being all-powerful.

Next, the psalm celebrates God’s incredible power and creativity: His omnipotence. David specifically focuses on the intricate design of the human body. Even before the moment of conception, God is at work in forming a person. In the womb, each person is already an image-bearer of God, and an example of His masterful creative work (Psalm 139:13–16).

God’s Justice (v17-24)

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.21 Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Finally, David explores God’s justice. While David trusts God and celebrates His blessings, he is also affected by the sins of those who hate God. David sees God’s enemies as his enemies. As such, David prays for God to destroy those who are evil. David neither takes this responsibility on himself, nor asks for it. Rather, he pleads with God to deal with the wicked. At the same time, David recognizes that he is vulnerable to sin, and asks God to search his heart and mind, leading him in the right way (Psalm 39:17–24).

Psalm 139:17–24 emphasizes God’s justice. Prior sections of this psalm bore witness to God’s omniscience (Psalm 139:1–6), His omnipresence (Psalm 139:7–12), and His omnipotence (Psalm 139:13–16). David rejoices in God’s thoughts and nearness, but despises the wicked around him. He longs for God to slay them. He sees God’s enemies as his own enemies, but is acutely aware of the possibility that sin dwells in him. Therefore, he asks God to search him and lead him in the way everlasting.

Chapter Summary:

In this psalm David marvels at God’s amazing characteristics. God knows everything about him: where he goes, all David’s thoughts and everything about his conduct. The Lord knows what David will say even before David says it. There is no place David can go that God isn’t already present. David marvels at God’s creative work in the womb. He is thankful for God’s innumerable thoughts for him and for God’s presence day and night. Finally, David’s thoughts turn to the wicked. He considers them God’s enemies and his, and longs for God to slay them. David is disgusted by evil people because they rail against God and take His name in vain. He asks God to search his heart to see if any sin is there, and he asks God to lead him in the way everlasting.

(Accessed 5/19/2025 2:15:22 PM © Copyright 2002-2025 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved. Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission. www.BibleRef.com)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we begin a new series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at Psalm 139.

Psalm 139

God is all knowing, ever present, all powerful, and just

God’s Omnipresence (Ever present) (7-12)

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

David then declares God’s omnipresence: His existence and influence in all places and at all times. To describe this, David describes various far-off or remote locations. In any of these, no matter what a person does, they cannot escape God. Those who try to run from God, as Jonah did (Jonah 1:1–4), will find it an impossible task. In David’s case, this is reassuring knowledge. He is confident that God will be with him, no matter where he goes or where life leads (Psalm 139:7–12).

Psalm 139:7–12 follows a passage focused on God’s omniscience. This section of the psalm describes His omnipresence: His ability to be everywhere at once. David mentions some of the places he might go, only to discover that God is there. The knowledge of God’s presence comforted David. He knew God would be with him everywhere he went.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we begin a new series, Who is God? My goal is to pick a chapter of the Bible that speaks to the character of God. This week we look at Psalm 139.

Psalm 139

God is all knowing, ever present, all powerful, and just

God’s Omniscience (All knowing)(v 1-6)

O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

Psalm 139 begins by expressing the infinite knowledge of God. This attribute is also referred to as omniscience. This extends to everything a person does, thinks, and says, even before those actions occur. As stated elsewhere in the Bible, God’s mind is inexpressibly beyond that of any person (Isaiah 55:8–9). This is both a source of comfort for those who honor God and a dire warning to those who defy Him (Psalm 139:1–6).

Psalm 139:1–6 extols God’s infinite knowledge. David views God as knowing all about him: when he sits down and gets up, his thoughts and conduct, and even the words that are in his mind before he expresses them. He states that God’s knowledge is far beyond his comprehension. This section of the psalm precedes the section that focuses on God’s omnipresence—his presence everywhere.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Memorials in the Bible

A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. The most common type of memorial is the gravestone or the memorial plaque. Also common are war memorials commemorating those who have died in wars. 

God has given us many memorials. This week we will look at six of them.

OINTMENT POURED ON JESUS BODY

12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. (Matthew 26: 12-13)

In Matthew 26:12-13, Jesus says that the woman who anointed his body with ointment did so to prepare him for burial. He further states that her act will be told wherever the gospel is preached as a memorial of her. This highlights the significance of her action in preparing Jesus for his upcoming death and emphasizes the enduring nature of her faith and love. 

The passage from Matthew 26 describes an event where a woman anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume (ointment) at a banquet. 

The woman (identified as Mary Magdalene in other accounts) breaks a flask of precious perfume and pours it on Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. 

Jesus acknowledges that Mary’s action is an act of preparing him for his burial. He emphasizes that her action is a good deed and will be remembered. 

Jesus states that Mary’s act will be told wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, serving as a memorial of her faith and devotion. This highlights the enduring nature of her action and its significance in the context of the gospel message.

PRAYER AND ALMS

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. (Acts 10:4)

In Acts 10:4, the angel informs Cornelius that his prayers and alms are a memorial offering before God, signifying God’s acceptance and remembrance of his devotion. “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God”:

This phrase emphasizes that Cornelius’s prayers and charitable deeds have been acknowledged and remembered by God. 

The term “memorial offering” draws a parallel to the sacrifices of the old covenant, suggesting that God has accepted Cornelius’s offerings as pleasing to him.This phrase highlights God’s acknowledgement of Cornelius’s faith and acts of charity. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Memorials in the Bible

A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. The most common type of memorial is the gravestone or the memorial plaque. Also common are war memorials commemorating those who have died in wars. 

God has given us many memorials. This week we will look at six of them.

CROWNS

9 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,10 Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah;11 Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The Branch; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord:13 Even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.14 And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the Lord.15 And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the Lord, and ye shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God. (Zechariah 6:9-15)

In Zechariah 6:9-15, the story of the memorial crown focuses on the high priest Joshua and the future Messiah, called “The Branch”. The chapter details how a crown is made from silver and gold, collected from those returned from exile, and placed on Joshua’s head. This act symbolizes the future restoration of the temple and the coming of the Branch, who will build the temple and rule as both priest and king. The crown is also a memorial in the temple, honoring those who contributed the materials.

The memorial crown in Zechariah 6 is not just a piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of God’s promise to restore Jerusalem and bring forth a leader who will rebuild the temple and lead with both priestly and royal authority. 

Joshua, the high priest, is depicted as a sign of the coming Branch. The crown placed on his head represents the authority and glory that will be bestowed upon the Branch, the Messiah, according to Ligonier Ministries. 

The “Branch” is identified as the Messiah, who will emerge from his place and build the temple of the Lord. He will be a priest on his throne, ruling with peace and justice.

The text emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s voice. The fulfillment of the prophecy, including the building of the temple and the coming of the Branch, is conditional upon the people’s obedience.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Memorials in the Bible

A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. The most common type of memorial is the gravestone or the memorial plaque. Also common are war memorials commemorating those who have died in wars. 

God has given us many memorials. This week we will look at six of them.

STONES

6 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?7 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.8 And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the Lord spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. (Joshua 4:6-8)

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 4:7)

In Joshua 4:1-8 God commands the Israelites to cross the Jordan River which He has stopped miraculously. Joshua leads the 12 tribes to remove boulders from the riverbed, which they erect in the Promised Land in a place called Gilgal. These 12 stones of Jordan were a memorial to God’s love and miraculous assistance.

However, these stones are appreciating not just by those who witnessed the miracle. Joshua 4:21-22 explains that ‘In the future your children will ask, “What do these stones mean?” Then you can tell them, “This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.”’ God longs for us to proclaim His goodness to future generations.

The remembrance stones in Gilgal reminded future generations of the God of miracles so that their faith would be renewed. We believe that the Eternal Wall will do this as it memorializes Jesus for centuries.

THE BOOK

13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.14 And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: (Exodus 17:13-15)

The children of Israel coming to Rephidim, want water, and chide with Moses about it, who, crying to the Lord, is bid to smite the rock, from whence came water for them, and he named the place from their contention with him, Ex 17:1-7 at this place Amalek came and fought with Israel, who, through the prayer of Moses, signified by the holding up of his hands, and by the sword of Joshua, was vanquished, Ex 17:8-13, for the remembrance of which it was ordered to be recorded in a book, and an altar was built with this inscription on it, “Jehovah Nissi” “The Lord is our banner”: it being the will of God that Amalek should be fought with in every generation until utterly destroyed, Ex 17:14-16.

SPOIL

53 (For the men of war had taken spoil, every man for himself.)54 And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tabernacle of the congregation, for a memorial for the children of Israel before the Lord.  (Numbers 31:53-54)

In Numbers 31:53-54, the text describes how the Israelites brought the gold they had acquired as plunder, specifically from the commanders of thousands and hundreds, into the tent of meeting. This gold was to serve as a memorial, a remembrance, for the Israelites before the Lord. The gold, weighing 16,750 shekels, was presented as a gift to the Lord and was a symbolic offering to show their gratitude and dedication. 

After the Israelites’ victory over the Midianites, they had collected a significant amount of gold and other items as plunder.

The gold was not just a collection of wealth; it represented the Israelites’ acknowledgment of God’s role in their victory and served as a reminder of their relationship with Him.

CROWNS

9 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,10 Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah;11 Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The Branch; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord:13 Even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.14 And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the Lord.15 And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the Lord, and ye shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God. (Zechariah 6:9-15)

In Zechariah 6:9-15, the story of the memorial crown focuses on the high priest Joshua and the future Messiah, called “The Branch”. The chapter details how a crown is made from silver and gold, collected from those returned from exile, and placed on Joshua’s head. This act symbolizes the future restoration of the temple and the coming of the Branch, who will build the temple and rule as both priest and king. The crown is also a memorial in the temple, honoring those who contributed the materials.

The memorial crown in Zechariah 6 is not just a piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of God’s promise to restore Jerusalem and bring forth a leader who will rebuild the temple and lead with both priestly and royal authority. 

Joshua, the high priest, is depicted as a sign of the coming Branch. The crown placed on his head represents the authority and glory that will be bestowed upon the Branch, the Messiah, according to Ligonier Ministries. 

The “Branch” is identified as the Messiah, who will emerge from his place and build the temple of the Lord. He will be a priest on his throne, ruling with peace and justice.

The text emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s voice. The fulfillment of the prophecy, including the building of the temple and the coming of the Branch, is conditional upon the people’s obedience.

OINTMENT POURED ON JESUS BODY

12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her. (Matthew 26: 12-13)

In Matthew 26:12-13, Jesus says that the woman who anointed his body with ointment did so to prepare him for burial. He further states that her act will be told wherever the gospel is preached as a memorial of her. This highlights the significance of her action in preparing Jesus for his upcoming death and emphasizes the enduring nature of her faith and love. 

The passage from Matthew 26 describes an event where a woman anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume (ointment) at a banquet. 

The woman (identified as Mary Magdalene in other accounts) breaks a flask of precious perfume and pours it on Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. 

Jesus acknowledges that Mary’s action is an act of preparing him for his burial. He emphasizes that her action is a good deed and will be remembered. 

Jesus states that Mary’s act will be told wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, serving as a memorial of her faith and devotion. This highlights the enduring nature of her action and its significance in the context of the gospel message.

PRAYER AND ALMS

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. (Acts 10:4)

In Acts 10:4, the angel informs Cornelius that his prayers and alms are a memorial offering before God, signifying God’s acceptance and remembrance of his devotion. “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God”:

This phrase emphasizes that Cornelius’s prayers and charitable deeds have been acknowledged and remembered by God. 

The term “memorial offering” draws a parallel to the sacrifices of the old covenant, suggesting that God has accepted Cornelius’s offerings as pleasing to him.This phrase highlights God’s acknowledgement of Cornelius’s faith and acts of charity. 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Memorials in the Bible

A memorial is an object which serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. The most common type of memorial is the gravestone or the memorial plaque. Also common are war memorials commemorating those who have died in wars. 

God has given us many memorials. This week we will look at six of them.

STONES

6 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?7 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.8 And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the Lord spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. (Joshua 4:6-8)

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 4:7)

In Joshua 4:1-8 God commands the Israelites to cross the Jordan River which He has stopped miraculously. Joshua leads the 12 tribes to remove boulders from the riverbed, which they erect in the Promised Land in a place called Gilgal. These 12 stones of Jordan were a memorial to God’s love and miraculous assistance.

However, these stones are appreciating not just by those who witnessed the miracle. Joshua 4:21-22 explains that ‘In the future your children will ask, “What do these stones mean?” Then you can tell them, “This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.”’ God longs for us to proclaim His goodness to future generations.

The remembrance stones in Gilgal reminded future generations of the God of miracles so that their faith would be renewed. We believe that the Eternal Wall will do this as it memorializes Jesus for centuries.

THE BOOK

13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.14 And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: (Exodus 17:13-15)

The children of Israel coming to Rephidim, want water, and chide with Moses about it, who, crying to the Lord, is bid to smite the rock, from whence came water for them, and he named the place from their contention with him, Ex 17:1-7 at this place Amalek came and fought with Israel, who, through the prayer of Moses, signified by the holding up of his hands, and by the sword of Joshua, was vanquished, Ex 17:8-13, for the remembrance of which it was ordered to be recorded in a book, and an altar was built with this inscription on it, “Jehovah Nissi” “The Lord is our banner”: it being the will of God that Amalek should be fought with in every generation until utterly destroyed, Ex 17:14-16.

SPOIL

53 (For the men of war had taken spoil, every man for himself.)54 And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tabernacle of the congregation, for a memorial for the children of Israel before the Lord.  (Numbers 31:53-54)

In Numbers 31:53-54, the text describes how the Israelites brought the gold they had acquired as plunder, specifically from the commanders of thousands and hundreds, into the tent of meeting. This gold was to serve as a memorial, a remembrance, for the Israelites before the Lord. The gold, weighing 16,750 shekels, was presented as a gift to the Lord and was a symbolic offering to show their gratitude and dedication. 

After the Israelites’ victory over the Midianites, they had collected a significant amount of gold and other items as plunder.

The gold was not just a collection of wealth; it represented the Israelites’ acknowledgment of God’s role in their victory and served as a reminder of their relationship with Him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com