Everyone is talking about the government shutdown (I wrote about
it last week in
this venue). But who is doing anything about it? Chris Cox is. His story is
spreading across the nation, and is sure to inspire many others. He describes
himself as the first member of the Memorial Militia.
Chris has been seen this week in Washington, D.C. pushing a lawnmower in areas
around the Lincoln Memorial, the World War 2 Memorial, and other such sites.
No, he's not a government employee; they've been shut down. But Cox refuses to
sit idly by while weeds and vandals spoil our nation's memorials.
He's not a local resident, either. He lives in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
According to Google Maps, that's eight hours and over 500 miles away. This man
is obviously dedicated to his mission.
Sadly, officials have told Cox that he can't continue doing this (bureaucracy!),
and Cox has complied. Nevertheless his example speaks volumes about noble
American citizens and the monuments that most of us wish to see honored and
preserved.
Monuments are mentioned in the Bible. One can be found in Joshua 4. After
Israel had safely crossed over the (miraculously) parted Jordan River, the Lord
ordered stones to be taken from the riverbed and stacked in a pile. Why? "...
that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come,
saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?'" (Joshua 4:6). What a teaching
opportunity, not unlike children today who tour the World War 2 Memorial,
learning of the sacrifices of a previous generation!
The greatest monument of the Bible, however, is portable in nature. It consists
of a small piece of unleavened bread and a swallow of grape juice. What?! Yes,
we're referring to the Lord's Supper, an event you'll find celebrated each
Lord's Day throughout the world.
Jesus Himself instituted this memorial. In Luke 22:19 we read: "And He took
bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body
which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'" He then gave them the
cup, containing the grape juice found at Jewish Passover feasts, which He said
symbolizes His blood.
Christians have been maintaining and honoring this memorial since the founding
of the church, as evidenced by Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, and other
passages. To neglect this memorial is to risk forgetting the price paid for our
redemption. That is an event we must never forget!
--Timothy D. Hall
this venue). But who is doing anything about it? Chris Cox is. His story is
spreading across the nation, and is sure to inspire many others. He describes
himself as the first member of the Memorial Militia.
Chris has been seen this week in Washington, D.C. pushing a lawnmower in areas
around the Lincoln Memorial, the World War 2 Memorial, and other such sites.
No, he's not a government employee; they've been shut down. But Cox refuses to
sit idly by while weeds and vandals spoil our nation's memorials.
He's not a local resident, either. He lives in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
According to Google Maps, that's eight hours and over 500 miles away. This man
is obviously dedicated to his mission.
Sadly, officials have told Cox that he can't continue doing this (bureaucracy!),
and Cox has complied. Nevertheless his example speaks volumes about noble
American citizens and the monuments that most of us wish to see honored and
preserved.
Monuments are mentioned in the Bible. One can be found in Joshua 4. After
Israel had safely crossed over the (miraculously) parted Jordan River, the Lord
ordered stones to be taken from the riverbed and stacked in a pile. Why? "...
that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come,
saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?'" (Joshua 4:6). What a teaching
opportunity, not unlike children today who tour the World War 2 Memorial,
learning of the sacrifices of a previous generation!
The greatest monument of the Bible, however, is portable in nature. It consists
of a small piece of unleavened bread and a swallow of grape juice. What?! Yes,
we're referring to the Lord's Supper, an event you'll find celebrated each
Lord's Day throughout the world.
Jesus Himself instituted this memorial. In Luke 22:19 we read: "And He took
bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body
which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'" He then gave them the
cup, containing the grape juice found at Jewish Passover feasts, which He said
symbolizes His blood.
Christians have been maintaining and honoring this memorial since the founding
of the church, as evidenced by Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, and other
passages. To neglect this memorial is to risk forgetting the price paid for our
redemption. That is an event we must never forget!
--Timothy D. Hall
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