A memorial is something that keeps the memory of a person or event alive, such as a monument or gravestone. Memorial Day is set aside each year to remember those who died in war. American citizens owe much to those whose lives were lost for the cause of freedom and peace.

The Biblical references to memorials show that the people of God are to always remember the wonderful works of God on their behalf (Psalm 105:5), and especially the death of Christ (see Question & Answer) wherein sinners might be set free from the bondage of their sin and have peace with God. We learn that the purpose of these memorials was to promote worship and fear of the Lord, and to instruct their children in the ways of the Lord, and as a testimony to others.

Israel was to keep the Passover "for a memorial" of their great deliverance by the Lord from the land of Egypt (Exodus 12:14). Upon inquiry from their children, "What mean ye by this service?" they were to say, "It is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt … And the people bowed the head and worshipped" Exodus 12:26,27).

Later, as the children of Israel passed over the river Jordan into the land of Canaan, God instructed them to erect a monument of twelve stones "for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever" (Joshua 4:7). It was to be a sign to future generations of the miraculous parting of the waters when God brought them over Jordan. When their children asked, "What mean ye by these stones?" they were to tell them "Israel came over this Jordan on dry land … That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever" (Joshua 4:6,7,21-24).

Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ has much to remember of His gracious ways in bringing us to Himself and meeting our every need in our walk with Him. Thus the Name of the Lord is a memorial for His people (Exodus 3:15; Psalm 135:13; Hosea 12:5). "Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His, and celebrate His holy memorial [or His holy Name]" (Psalm 30:4, JND). In addition, the written Word of God stands as a monument which ever reveals the living Word to our hearts. For a good study, look up the word remember(ed)(ance) in the Bible.

We are also, each day, building a memorial by the life we live and the work we do. Mary anointed the Lord Jesus with very costly ointment. Some considered it a waste, but the Lord said, "She hath wrought a good work on Me…this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her" (Mark 14:3-9). We might ask ourselves if the Lord can find such pleasure in what we have done, and how we will be remembered when we are gone.