“A Day to Remember”
Memorial Day is upon us, and as I find myself out on the boat most Memorial Days, I love to see all of the American flags flying. I love to see American patriotism. Coming from a military family, I hope always to remember the sacrifice that those fallen soldiers made for my freedom. I hope I always remember their families. And I hope I always thank God for those willing to serve for our country.
To some, it’s merely the beginning of summer, and to others, it’s a solemn day to remember the fallen soldiers who have passed. To the war veteran and the families of fallen soldiers, it carries deep significance in their hearts. It is a day of remembrance. We remember more than 1.3 million American military men and women over the past 243 years who lost their lives fighting for our freedom.
I love what Billy Graham said about Memorial Day. “As we think of the selflessness and heroism of such fellows, we are reminded of the words of Jesus Christ who said: ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ The freedoms we enjoy, the freedoms we take so much for granted, the freedoms we so often trifle with were bought not by the gold of our millionaires, nor altogether the genius of our scientists, nor the sacrifices of the people at home, but primarily by the blood, sweat and agony of those whose names on this day we honor—those who died that we might live!”
Over 2,000 years ago, another man sacrificed His life on a hill called Calvary. This battle was one man against all the forces of evil. It seemed hopeless as Jesus Christ took on Satan’s task force by himself. The jeers, the spitting, and the sneering were nothing compared to the struggle in His soul. After much suffering, He stretched one hand toward His Heavenly Father and one toward a rebellious man and made a connection, saying, “It is finished.” Through Jesus, our sin is finished - forgotten.
Jesus taught us what real love is. He gave up His life for us. 1 John 3:16, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” Whether in military service or scripture, giving up one’s life is not dependent on the worthiness of the people who benefit from the honorable act. Romans 5:6, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”
We are blessed to live in a free society. Let’s honor our American soldiers for our freedom in this country. Let’s give thanks to God for the freedom we have to spend eternity with Him. And for the gift of salvation through His gift of forgiveness through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
As Christians, we are to remember things. Hebrews 3:13, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Let us remember the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:12, “...be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.“ And let us remember Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:8, “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel…”