Today is Memorial
Day, the day we set
aside to remember the men and women who gave their lives in service of our
country. It used to be called Decoration Day, and I can remember my aunts and
cousins making the rounds of all the cemeteries to decorate the graves of
family. The day holds a special place for me, as my Dad served faithfully in
the Navy, and is buried in a military cemetery. I am grateful to the Boy Scouts
who decorate each of the graves there, treating each with honor and respect.
The idea
of remembering is certainly not a new one. After
Jacob had his dream of the ladder to heaven, he erected standing stones to
commemorate the event, and to signify that God was in that place. Standing
stones were small piles or stacks of stone that were used throughout the Middle
East to signify a place and event of significance. When people would pass by
these stones they would ask, “What happened here?” and the story would be
retold for their own remembrance and to teach their children.
Another
method of remembering was the establishment of an official feast. When the people of Israel were led out of
Egypt, God initiated the celebration of Passover, so that they would never
forget. Every year since the ancient time of Moses, the Seder has been observed
and celebrated. Jesus established The Lord’s Supper or Communion for the same
reason. We partake so that we will never forget the great sacrifice, the huge
and holy act of God for our salvation. We have relationship with God because of
Jesus. That is certainly worth remembering!
One
thing worth remembering is what God forgets, our sin. Because of the sacrifice
of Jesus and because of God’s great love for his own, he gives us new hearts
and makes us his people.
For I will forgive their wickedness,
And will remember their sins no more.
Hebrews 8:12
As you
enjoy your Memorial Day barbeque, remember. Remember the men and women who
sacrificed for your freedom. Remember the God who saves and loves you.
Remember, and remind somebody else! We are blessed indeed.
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