Weapons and Tactics in Warfare*

In this modern era, we have seen through media and technology what war is really like. Beginning with the Vietnam War, right up to the present war in the Ukraine, the images of warfare are brought to us. What we see happening in the natural realm, however, is only a microcosm of what is going on in the spiritual realm. In both realms, poor tactics can cost lives. We, as believers, are in a war. Rabbi Jonathan Cahn refers to a "dark trinity war" in his new book, "The Return of the Gods". We need to know our weapons, and the correct tactics to use in this spiritual warfare. We are given powerful information from the apostle Paul: "...some...think of us as if we walk according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Do ye look on things after the outward appearance?..." (2 Cor. 10:1-7). Our weapons are not carnal. Our enemy is opposition against the knowledge of God, and disobedience to Christ. Our tactics involve casting down ungodly thoughts, and revenging disobedience through the fulness of our own obedience. Spiritual warfare begins in the mind, within us, and not with bombs, or bullets. All natural soldiers have weapons and some sort of body armor, but our armor in spiritual warfare, "...not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places", is the whole armor of God. (Eph. 6:10-13). It is this armor which enables us to stand against the wiles of the devil, and "the evil day". As we know, the days are very evil, and wicked powers of darkness are very real. The whole armor of God includes having our loins girded with truth. We are to procreate the Gospel of truth, bringing it to others. We are to have on the breastplate of righteousness. Our hearts, which are the "kill zone" to the enemy, are deceitful, but we cover them with Christ's righteousness, not our own. Our feet are prepared with the gospel of peace. Wherever we go, we go with the Gospel. This is the Great Commission given to us by Christ. Above all, we take up the shield of faith. This spiritual shield quenches the fiery darts of the wicked against us. We take the helmet of salvation, protecting our minds from those thoughts, reasonings, and imaginations that Paul warned of above. In our hand is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (v. 14-17). This is a two-edged sword, reminding us that judgment begins, not with an enemy, but with the house of God. We use the Word, especially 2 Chron. 7:14, to bring repentance to our hearts, to fulfill our obedience first. Always, Paul wrote here, praying for all the saints of God, and for the boldness to make known the Gospel even in the face of obstacles and persecution (v. 18-20). Regarding this, here in this country and across the world, we are seeing a growing intolerance to the Word and knowledge of God, and instead a demand, under penalty of law, that the people of God accept in silence ungodly and abominable practices. We can see in scripture how these spiritual weapons and tactics were used by God to fight Israel's enemies, even when they were outnumbered, ill-equipped and starving in their natural circumstances. In Exodus 17, the Israelites are in battle with the Amalekites. Moses gave this instruction to Joshua: "Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand." (Ex. 17:8-9). When Moses would hold up his hand, Israel prevailed, however, when he lowered his hand, the Amalekites prevailed. As the battle raged on, and Moses grew weary, Aaron and Hur put a stone in place for Moses to sit, and stood on either side of Moses to hold up his hands until the sun went down. "And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword." (v. 11-13). The LORD commanded Moses to write the battle against Amalek for a memorial in a book to remind Joshua of the vistory, and to insure the continual warfare of the LORD against the Amalekites. From this event, Moses worshipped the LORD by the name "Jehovah Nissi", meaning "The LORD our Banner" at an altar that he constructed (v. 14-16). The battle was won by the rod of God in the hand of His servant. This is the same rod that Moses used to part the Red Sea. In another example of the ways of God in warfare, Gideon had assembled an army of 32,000 to fight the Midianites. The LORD told Gideon that he had too many in his army: "...there are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, 'Mine own hand hath saved me." (Judges 7:1-2). The LORD told Gideon that the Israelite army was too big! So the LORD told Gideon to tell all who were afraid to go home. This reduced the army to 10,000. The LORD said that this was still too many, and the army was to number 300. Those 300 were to carry a trumpet in one hand, and a vessel containing a lamp in the other hand. To reassure Gideon of the coming victory, the LORD had Gideon sneak up to the enemy camp with his servant, Phurah (meaning "branch, bough, glory, glorify"), to spy. Gideon overheard one enemy soldier telling another of a dream that he had in which Gideon had crushed their tent. This telling of the dream in the enemy camp caused the Midianites to believe that it was inevitable that God was going to deliver them into Gideon's hands. When Gideon overheard this talk within the enemy camp, he sent his 300-man army in three divisions against the Midianites, who were as numerous as grasshoppers. As they blew their trumpets and threw down their lamps, crying 'The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon', the Midianites panicked and ran (v. 9-21). The fleeing Midianites turned their swords upon each other in their fear, and the Israelites pursued them. As we can see, this is not warfare as usual as practiced in the world by generals and armies. God has already told us that His thoughts are not our thoughts, and neither are His ways like our ways. We see the contrast again between natural warfare and spiritual warfare in the account of David and Goliath. The armey of Israel was confronting the army of the Philistines. David had gone to the army camp to bring provisions of bread to his older brothers, who were soldiers. Then the Philistines' champion warrior, a man of giant proportions, Goliath, began to threaten and taunt them. When the Israelite army saw him, they all ran, including young David. However, when David heard the rewards that King Saul had promised to the man who would go forth and answer Goliath's challenge, David verified the reward offered three times, and then said of Goliath, "...for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Sam. 17:24-26). One of David's older brothers became angry at him, and belittled him, that David, a lad who watched sheep, would speak up and involve himself in army business. However, King Saul heard of David's talk, and asked him to come to his tent, telling David, "Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth." (v. 28-33). David told Saul that as a shepherd of his father's sheep, he had already killed both a lion and a bear, even taking one of the captured lambs out of the predator's mouth. David told the king that this uncircumcised Philistine, Goliath "shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God", adding, "...the LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion,...and the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." (v. 32-37). Saul agreed, and offered David the use of the king's own armor. However, the armor did not fit David, and David did not feel confident in it because he had not "proved it". So David went forth to meet the Philistine with his shepherd's staff, his slingshot, and five smooth stones that he had gathered from the stream and placed in his shepherd's bag. (v. 38-40). We know that David ended up killing Goliath with one of those stones in his slingshot, even though Goliath was armed with a huge sword, spear, and shield. In another example from scripture, God made four Israelite lepers with nothing left to lose sound like "...a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host" as they approached the enemy Syrian camp looking for food because the rest of Israel was starving. The Syrian army fled thinking that they were coming under attack from two great armies. (2 Kings 7:1-7). When the Syrians fled, they left all of their food and possessions behind them, and the four lepers began to gather all they could. Then the lepers reconsidered, and reported the bounty, and the empty Syrian camp to the king's household. (v. 9). The king's army then chased after the Syrians, picking up spoil as they went. God's spiritual warfare can make four shuffling lepers sound like two mighty armies to the enemy, causing them to flee! Another king of Judah, Jehoshaphat, believing the word of prophecy that had come from the LORD through His prophet, went into battle against the Ammonites and the Moabites by commanding the Levitical singers to go before his army praising "the beauty of holiness", and singing, "Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever." (2 Chron. 20:14-21). Jehoshaphat had told the people, "O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall you be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper." (v. 20). Not many generals of the world would send singers in front of their army to face a large enemy, but by this tactic the LORD made the enemy armies destroy each other (v. 22-23). It is very important for the church to be aware of the weapons and tactics available to us in spiritual warfare, because so many believers are becoming caught up in natural, or worldly, methods and ways. Neither politicians nor natural armies can defeat the spiritual enemies that hold nations in darkness. Paul wrote to his son in the Gospel, Timothy: "Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." (2 Tim. 2:1-4). *Based on Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson's 11/20/2022 message to the church. To contact us, submit a prayer request, give a praise report, or to support this ministry: P.O. Box 154221, Waco, TX, 76705 OR Everlastingcovenant@ymail.com. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, theshroudofturin.org, and END TIME SCHOOL, also on Facebook.

America, Seek His Face*

 

We have been talking about the necessity of seeking God's face. We have spoken about how the scriptures reveal a miraculous image of the Lord that kings may look upon and understand without anyone telling them. We have found such an image of the Lord's face and body on the Shroud of Turin. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church of Galatia about an "engraving" they had seen with their own eyes (Gal. 3:1).

We will see how seeking the Lord's face, not only powerfully impacts individuals, but whole nations as well. Considering the conditions in this nation, it is urgent that America seeks His face.

The LORD would appear at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation to meet with Moses. The LORD would speak from within a cloudy pillar: "And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face as a man speaketh unto his friend."  Ex. 33:11

As Moses spoke to the LORD, he began to petition the LORD for the people, the children of Israel:

"Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. And he (the LORD) said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." 
                                                                                             Ex. 33:13-14

However, the children of Israel became rebellious, forgetting the miracle deliverance power of God. As they experienced challenges in the wilderness, they blamed Moses and Aaron, and they wished they had died instead in Egypt, or in the wilderness (Num. 14:1-2). That generation, by the way, eventually got their faithless wish.
Most of the spies sent to scout out the new land of promise, had brought back a frightening report regarding the fierce inhabiting hostile tribes of that land. However, two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, encouraged the people in their trust of the LORD to enter into the land which the LORD had given them saying of those tribes, "...the LORD is with us, fear them not." The people desired to stone them, rather than to listen to their words of faith and truth. This s the same Joshua, by the way, who would remain behind in the tabernacle of meeting as Moses would go in and out. He is the same Joshua who would lead the people after Moses' death, and who would tell the people, "...choose you this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

As a result of their unbelief and rebellion, the LORD became angry with the people. He said to Moses, "How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they." v. 11-12

Hasn't America shown the same rebellion and unbelief towards God? How long can we provoke God, and mock Him, and reject His ways?

Moses then began to intercede for the children of Israel, telling the LORD that Egypt was watching God's relationship with Israel, and would send word to the tribal inhabitants of the land in Canaan, "...that thou LORD art among this people, that thou  LORD art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them...And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my LORD be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying, The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now."  v. 13-19

The LORD heard Moses and answered him, "I have pardoned according to thy word: But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD"  v. 20-21

Not only did the prayer of Moses, a man who had known God's grace, and had seen Him face to face, turn the deserved anger of the LORD away from the children of Israel, but also generated the promise of God to fill the whole earth with His glory. The grace found within a face to face relationship with the LORD impacted a man, a nation, and the whole earth. God creates miracles in our face to face relationship with Him. God does not seek a religion, but a face to face relationship with man, and always has, even from the beginning in the Garden.

Moses told Israel that as they had met with the LORD face-to-face, God created a covenant relationship with them, giving them His statutes and judgments: a relationship unlike any that had existed with their forefathers. At that time, Moses had to position himself between the people and God, and deliver His Word to them, because of their fear (Deut. 5:1-6). Moses had stood in the gap on behalf of the nation again, face to face with God.

We also have the assurance as we seek the face of God, that by His Grace, in the form of His Son, Jesus, we need not fear death, but have been passed from death unto life.
America, we were born and formed as a nation by the Word and Spirit of God. We were bold, brave, and abundantly blessed because of our trust in God, and our reverence for Him. Like Israel, we were a people to whom God spoke face to face. However, the world's once shining example and champion has become a weak and sick captive to its own sin, iniquity, wickedness, and rebellion against God. Our great riches have dried up, and blown away like dust in a matter of months. Pandemic sickness and death has taken more of our people than in any other nation on earth. Racial hatred has been exposed in us. Political strife and financial confusion rule our days, and chaos and violence have become the rulers of our nights. People are exiting our cities in droves seeking places of safety and security, but none can be found.
America, it is time to seek God's face. It is not yet too late. Grace, forgiveness and redemption are found in His face, as we saw when Moses interceded on behalf of a rebellious people. In 2 Chron. 7:14, the LORD promises, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
 

*The above is based upon the 8/16/20 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message, to contribute to the Book of Remembrance, or Memorial Fund for Sean Stevenson:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

everlastingcovenant@ymail.com

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

Sermon.net/EverlastingCovenant
 

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.
 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:

  

To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8     http://endtimeschool.com/ 

 

 Remembering:



                                                                   Sean Stevenson

Snatching Victory From Defeat*

 

The signs of the End Times are increasing all around us. It is a time of many challenges, even persecution, for believers, because the Devil has come down with great wrath, knowing his time is short. Through all however, we are called to snatch victory from defeat. The prophet Isaiah revealed the root cause for the condition of defeat in God's people:

"Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God; and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity...Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: And the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor..."   Isa. 59:1-4, 15-16

Isaiah found that the root cause of the failure to see the favor of God is because our own iniquity separates us, isolates us, from Him. The evil things that the world does, we, God's people, are doing also. We are participating in the very things God has said that He hates, and even considers abomination, according to His Word found in Prov. 6:16-19. 

Isaiah goes on to say that as no man has stepped forward in word or prayer:

"...therefore his (God's) arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke. According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies;...So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun."  v. 16-19

The LORD sent His own salvation and righteousness, in the absence of it in man. Though conditions in the natural were total defeat, the LORD brought victory out of the spiritual realm. This is where the greatest victory comes from- not from the earthly realm, but the heavenly realm:

"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard ("nus"- to cause to disappear, to put to flight) against him. And the redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD."  v. 19

In this spiritual victory over the enemy that the LORD has gotten by His own arm, the results are wide-sweeping. His Redeemer comes, and God's people who repent reap the great benefits:

"As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; my spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy (the prophet's) mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed...from henceforth and for ever. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising."   Isa. 59:21, 60:1-3

The same Spirit that anointed the prophet, and directed the words in his mouth, will also be upon the people. We are to speak the same word, the homologea, as God speaks in scripture. His glory, the same glory as the Father and Himself, shall be upon us, even as Jesus prayed (Jn. 17:22). That light and glory will bring Gentiles and kings, sons and daughters to us and to Him (v. 4).
We see examples of victory being snatched from defeat in scripture, like David, bare handed, snatching his lambs from the mouths of lions and bears. In Exodus, Moses and the children of Israel were trapped with the Sea in front of them, and the greatest king at the time, Pharaoh of Egypt, and his army coming up behind them. The people, seeing only the defeat that faced them in the natural, despaired at Moses for bringing them out of Egypt into the wilderness to die (Ex. 14:12). However, Moses declared to them:
"Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."  v. 13-14
As Moses raised his rod as God instructed him, and stretched forth his hand over the sea, the waters were parted and heaped up like walls, and the children of Israel went through the Sea on dry ground (v. 22). When the Egyptian army pursued them into the sea, the waters, at the direction of Moses, returned upon the army, and not one escaped (v. 27-28).
At a time when he had been anointed, but had not yet become king, David faced one of his greatest possible defeats if seen through the natural circumstances. When David and his men had come to Ziklag (meaning "winding, an out flowing of a fountain"), the Amalekites (descendants of Esau) had raided it, set it on fire, and taken all of their wives and children, including David's two wives (1 Sam. 30:1-3). David and his men wept with despair. His men even talked of stoning him, because he had led them to this place of defeat. However, David encouraged (to be firm, restore to strength, display strength, repair) himself in the LORD (v. 6). David then sent for the priest and inquired of the LORD whether he should pursue the enemy, and the LORD gave him the word to pursue: "...for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all." (v. 8). David and a portion of his men did indeed attack the Amalekites, not only recovering their families and possessions, but the huge spoil of the Amalekites as well. And all the spoil, called "David's spoil" was divided among all, even his weary men who had staid behind at the brook Besor (root meaning: gladden with good news, glad tidings, show forth, messenger, preach, announce salvation), and also with others who had supported David throughout Judah and beyond. This is also an encouragement for all in the Body of Christ who have been a support to others who have been in ministry.
In the natural circumstances, it seemed that David faced losing his family, his prophesied kingship, even his life. However, shortly after the miraculous victory over the Amalekites, Saul was killed, and David did indeed become king. From defeat to victory is the miraculous work of God in His people.
In these Last Days before Christ's return, it seems that there are many things about which to feel discouraged and even fearful. There are many voices that are shouting "Defeat!" to those who love God. However, we have been called to snatch victory from defeat in the name of Jesus, our salvation, and that victory is achieved first in the Spirit by the Word in our mouths, and then manifests in the natural. As the word of the LORD was seen by Isaiah:
"And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem."  Isa. 2:1-3
This is the word of "victory" in our mouths through the arm of God - His Son, Jesus the Messiah, our righteousness and our salvation.

*The above is based upon the 12/8/19 message to the Church from Dr. Kenneth Stevenson. 

To Contact/Submit prayer requests/Support the ministry/Order the book, "NAZAH-White Linen and the Blood of Sprinkling", and to help us get out the message:

Dr. Kenneth Stevenson
P.O. Box 154221
Waco, TX  76705

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

http://endtimeschool.com/

To watch/hear Dr. Stevenson's complete message:

https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8

https://everlastingcovenant.sermon.net/main/main/21320220
 

Prayer of Salvation for all who desire to receive Jesus as their Savior: Lord Jesus, I desire to know You, and to know Your salvation. I believe that You died for me, and that You were resurrected for me. Forgive me of my sins. Come into my heart, change me, fill me with Your righteousness. Inscribe my name in the Lamb's book of life. Baptize me in Your Holy Spirit, so that I can learn the truth of Your Word and ways, and be strengthened in my walk all the days of my life. You are the hope of my life, and You are my eternal life. I place my trust in You, Lord, for myself, and my whole household. Use me to do the will of the heavenly Father, Who sent You, in Whose name You came. In Your name, and in thanks and praise I pray, Amen.

 

Dr. Stevenson's newest book is now available:
  

To order "NAZAH": https://twitter.com/everlastingcov8     http://endtimeschool.com/  

 



Memorial Day-The Concept of Memorials in the Bible

 

Memorial Day is a day designated for the honor and remembrance of those in the military who gave their lives in service for us. The day was first known in history as "Decoration Day", when the graves of soldiers lost in the Civil War were decorated. The first known occurrence of this practice was as it was performed by slaves in Charleston, South Carolina, but it was also subsequently practiced in other states as well. In 1966, this day was officially declared by the President as Memorial Day, to honor fallen soldiers throughout America. In doing this, there was an official recognition of the connection of a memorial, or remembrance, and a sacrifice made. This concept of an eternal remembrance is founded in the Bible. It is a principle of God first mentioned in association even with His very name.
Moses, when first called by God, asked God what His name was, that he should tell the children of Israel:
"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me to you....this is my name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations."  Ex. 3:14-15 (see also Ps. 135:13)
We have said that a memorial is connected to sacrifice, so how does the name of God indicate a sacrifice? The Hebrew representation for the name "I AM THAT I AM" is YHWH, represented by the pictographic letters yod, heh, vaw, heh. Each individual letter in the Hebrew "alphabet" also represents a concept. The letters of the name of God revealed to Moses here represent, "Behold the hand, Behold the nail." The sacrifice of Christ was embedded into the name and character of God, and that name serves as a memorial to Israel, and before God.
Sacrifice and memorial are mentioned in the account of Passover. As the lamb, whose blood would cover and preserve the Israelite household from death, was selected, it was examined for any blemishes. Only a spotless lamb could be used, according to the instructions given to Moses by the LORD. After fourteen days of being examined for imperfection, the lamb was to be killed by the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel (Ex. 12:1-6).
"And they shall take of the blood and strike (given, bestowed) it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it...and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; you shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever."  Ex. 12:7, 13-14
Again, the sacrifice in this instance prophetically refers us to Jesus, the "Lamb of God" slain before the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8), who was also revealed to all by John the Baptist who declared, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."  (Jn. 1:29, 36).
Later, after fleeing Egypt, Moses and the Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites at Rephidim ("rest, support") on their journey to the Promised Land (Ex. 17:8-16). Joshua leading the army, finally secured the victory under the supported raised hands of Moses. The LORD commanded that this battle be kept as a memorial:
"...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.. And Moses built an altar (meaning "sacrifice"), and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi."  Ex. 17:14-15
It was a place of physical sacrifice in battle by the Israelites, and a place of spiritual sacrifice at the altar of the One who is raised up on a pole as a sign for all to see, named "The LORD our Banner". The LORD commanded a memorial out of this event, so Joshua and the people would remember it always.
The New Testament tells of a Roman Centurion, named Cornelius, who was devout and feared God with all his house. He continually gave alms (charitable giving) to the people, and prayed always (Acts 10:1-3). An angel appeared to him in a vision one day, saying to him:
"Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God." Acts 10:4
Cornelius, as a soldier, must have been acquainted with sacrifice in battle, but it was his spiritual sacrifice, both in prayer and in possessions, that created a memorial before God. Out of this memorial came the salvation of his whole household, and the opening of the Gospel message to the Gentiles, in addition to Israel.
The LORD commands that we keep His word, and these memorials, not only for our benefit, but for the benefit of our children, and future generations:
"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children...And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes."  Deut. 6:7-8
Our children, like never before, have suffered the consequences of a people who have failed to remember, and have failed to teach their children, the life-changing memorials created out of the sacrifices of not only brave soldiers and citizens, but more importantly the sacrifices of God, on our behalf. Let us remember, and let us teach our children, and let each of our lives come up as a memorial before God.

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God bless you.