Center for Creative Ministry A research organization and research center for Seventh-day Adventist pastors and their congregations
Memorials of Grace
The world’s second happiest country kicked off 2025 by banning flagpole displays of most foreign national flags–the exceptions being the banners of Denmark’s Nordic and German neighbors.
This reinstated law aims to promote unity among Germany, Denmark, and the other Nordic nations, as well as neutrality toward the rest of the world and its affairs.
In response to the legislation, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard enthused, “Dannebrog is the most important national symbol we have in Denmark.”
The 806-year-old red and white cloth of the Danes is so important, in fact, that it marks birthdays, funerals, holidays, sporting events, graduations, and just about any other special occasion. Although now a festive and national symbol, it formerly served as a visual reminder of hope and divine providence.
Per Danish lore, during the Battle of Lyndanisse the first Nordic cross, Dannebrog, fell from the sky and renewed the Danish Crusaders’ hope, thereby propelling them to victory over pagan Estonians.
Not surprisingly, historians reason that the national flag was more likely inspired by the banners of European Crusaders and adopted in the 16th century.
Nevertheless, the legend persists, passing from generation to generation.
And while the banner has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries, it’s transitioned from representing Christian identity to symbolizing national identity and celebrating secular interests.
The Nordic cross, much like Joshua’s 12-stone memorials, has lost its spiritual significance.
As the Israelites were crossing the parted Jordan River to enter the Promised Land, God directed Joshua to erect a 12-stone monument on the dried riverbed floor and another 12-stone memorial at Gilgal (Joshua 4). These symbols served as a visual reminder that God provided for Israel by “drying up” the Red Sea and the Jordan River (v. 21–24). The stacked stones would also prompt curiosity from the youth, leading them to inquire of their parents who would “remember” God’s mercy.
Remembering was central to the Torah, and is the most repeated command in the Bible. Even Christ directed that Communion be done “in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:18-20).
As with the original Dannebrog, the reminders of mercy and provision should evoke gratitude toward and faith in God. Grateful, faithful hearts would then bring about an emulation of God’s character.
Unfortunately, despite the plethora of rich visual reminders and the leadership of the prophets Moses and Joshua, Israel would still spiritually forget by turning to other gods, and later legalism.
For Reflection
Connecting: Have you ever forgotten a birthday or anniversary? What amendments did you make to ensure it didn’t happen again?
Sharing: In addition Joshua 4, stone memorials appear in 1 Samuel 7, Genesis 28:10-22, and Joshua 24. Why, do you think, were stones the common material used for the Israelites’ memorials?
- They were accessible
- Rocks don’t easily wear away
- They represented the Rock (Jesus)
- Unhewn stones conveyed total reliance on God and not on human ability
- It was strange and would prompt questions that would evoke “memory”
- Other
Applying: What do you do to remember what God has done for you? Take time to reflect on the ways you have seen God provide in your life.
Valuing: Many countries around the world celebrate name days, which commemorate saints, martyrs, and Bible characters. This practice likely arose in the Middle Ages. Is there still value in celebrating one’s name day? Should Christians still choose Biblical names for their children? What does your name mean?
~ Stefani Leeper
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