This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day – a federal holiday in the United States that has the intent of honoring and mourning US military personnel who have died while serving our country. The holiday was first called Decoration Day and originated during the Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had died in battle.

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13, Jesus Speaking

It is certainly right to observe this day with honor and respect for those who gave their all for our nation. They bravely fought for the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today. In the midst of all the family get togethers, the backyard barbeques, the gathering around the TV to watch Nascar, and the multitude of other things we find to do during this holiday weekend, let’s remember those who gave it all to secure our freedom to do so.

Might I suggest that we also take time to remember another Who gave His life for our freedom from bondage? Those of us who identify ourselves as Christians should not have to be reminded of His sacrificial death, but sadly we oftentimes get so caught up in the hectic rat-race of life that we fail to remember. I suppose this is one of the reasons Jesus instituted Communion, to give us a reminder of His body and blood which were given for us. It is only through His death, burial, and resurrection that we have forgiveness of sin, redemption secured through the shedding of His blood.

And one of the amazing things about Jesus’s death is seen in a statement recorded in Paul’s letter to the Romans:

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

While we were still sinners, at enmity with God, Jesus gave His life for us. We were dead in our trespasses and sins, giving no regard for God or the things of God. We were going our own way, doing our own thing, seeking and serving self, with no thought of our own wanton sinfulness and our desperate need of salvation. But God! He graciously demonstrated the immensity of His love for us by giving His Son. And Jesus – He willingly gave HIs life in obedience to the Father’s will so that we might be saved. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Today, let’s not forget those who have lost their lives on the battlefield as they fought for our nation – but more importantly let’s not forget the One who died in our place, paying the penalty for our sin, providing the means of our salvation. Let’s make this day, and every day, a day of remembering this amazing gift of God.

Until next time:

Blessings!