Memorial day 2019 occurs on May 27, the final Monday in the month. It is a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered and honored, many times with flowers on their gravestones. Such a day reminds the citizens of America that great sacrifices have been made to provide the peaceful, liberated society which is currently enjoyed. It also brings to mind the evils many of these soldiers died fighting against, which in turn calls out the values and beliefs the citizens of this country hold concerning right and wrong, good and evil, and what is worth dying for.
What is worth dying for? Romans 5:7-8 speaks concerning the answer the Lord Jesus gave, saying, “For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus, motivated by love for humankind, gave His life on the cross. He considered the souls of the rebellious worth dying for.
The soldiers who died serving their country did so to liberate the world from evil, and honor ought to be given them for their sacrifice. If they deserve honor for saving physical lives of Americans, how much more honor does Jesus deserve, Who died to provide spiritual, eternal life, and to free all people from the bondage of sin? American culture gives a day to remember our fallen soldiers. According to Galatians 2:20, Jesus ought to be given our whole life: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”
Jesus left the world an example by His life and teachings (1 Peter 2:21-25). The apostles were the first to follow it, being mistreated as they did (Acts 5:40-42). The apostles understood that through His suffering and death, Jesus had purchased their life. As they lived, they honored Jesus with every action. When they died, they brought glory to His name by remaining true to their Lord. Christians, from the beginning of the church until now, have been commanded to continue honoring the Lord Jesus with every day, in every location, and by every action. Consider 1 Peter 4:13-14: “but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”
While Americans take time to honor the fallen soldiers who fought for the physical safety and liberty of the United States, do not forget to honor Jesus for His sufferings. Gladly give a day to honor and decorate these American heroes, then turn again to Jesus, gladly living every day to honor and decorate the Savior of the world.
Kommentit