“Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king’s dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom’s place.” 2 Sam 18:18 KJV
He knew he must die one day. And he didn’t want his memory to perish out of the sight of men. He wanted his name to be carried on in his lineage after he might have gone, but sad enough, he had no son to keep his remembrance… But unfortunately, he was a fool who knew not the path of everlasting remembrance. He was so myopic in his thinking to have concluded that the only way a man can be remembered is by the child he bears.
Note: it requires a son to keep the name and memory of a man. This, however, does not necessarily mean a biological son. There were many people who never had a son and though they are long dead, are still speaking to us today and being held in everlasting remembrance. Though they had no biological son, yet have they a son of remembrance. We never read that Mordecai had any biological son, but he is still being remembered today by “a son of remembrance” which is Esther. We never read that Abel lived enough on earth to give birth to any children, but he is still being remembered today by “a son of remembrance” which is the sacrifice he made.
Absalom had no biological children to carry on his name after his demise and also had nothing to be remembered by. To make up for this great want, he erects a lifeless pillar for a memorial. What a foolish way of keeping one’s memory. He made a statue to keep his name in remembrance, forgetting that sacrifice, not statue is the way of enduring remembrance. He had so selfishly lived that up until his death, he was alone and devoid of something to be remembered for! May you not be remembered only by a statue.
That is how some foolish men and women are living their lives. Like Absalom, they keep investing huge money into lifeless things-fashion and fads of this world. Note: The only way to keep your name in remembrance is the way of sacrificial life of purpose. You must discover what purpose God would like you to sacrifice for. Mary Slessor sacrificed her life for a purpose, consequently, her name is still being kept in remembrance. Mother Teresa sacrificed her life for a purpose, and it’s why she is still being heard and spoken of today. Nelson Mandela sacrificed his life for a purpose and so got his name perpetually inscribed in the hearts of generations. Mordecai sacrificed his life for a purpose and it’s why his name is still reverberating till today. Jesus sacrificed His Life for a purpose and from eternity to eternity remains the Hope of earth and Joy of Heaven.
What will you be remembered for- life less ordinary certificates, lifeless currency stored up in banks, lifeless houses and landed properties, lifeless empty positions? The only way all of those can turn around to keep your name in remembrance is when they are converted into a sacrifice for a purpose-And a God-given purpose for that matter!
Have you discovered purpose? For Abel, purpose means a huge, selfless, sacrificial offering for the cause of God. For Mordecai, purpose means raising Esther to become a queen material. For Jeremiah, purpose means being a prophet to the nations. For Nehemiah, purpose means building the broken walls of Jerusalem. For Apostle Paul, purpose means bringing the Gospel to the gentiles. For Gaius, purpose means supporting the gospel and gospel preachers with his resources. For Annas, the prophetess, purpose means serving God day and nights with fastings and prayers for revival and restoration of Israel. And for Jesus Christ, purpose means dying for the sin of the whole world!
What is the “son of your remembrance?” What are you living for? What is your purpose? Life is short and it will soon be gone. Fading away like the stars of the morning… Thus we would pass from the earth and its toiling, only remembered by what we have done.
May we all be remembered for a worthy cause!