Memorial Day

I thought with the holiday fast approaching I would ask: what does Memorial Day mean to you? It is supposed to be a time of remembrance about those in the military who have died serving our country. People might spend time visiting cemeteries or attending special events. We are asked to remember the sacrifice some have paid for our freedom. Some look at it as a long weekend of partying or a time to find a deal at some sell. Some just simply see it as the beginning of summer. I want to look at this holiday and see if there might be any lessons I can learn as a Christian.

The first thing that comes to mind is that we have someone who has paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Jesus sacrificed a lot for our sin problem. Jesus came from heaven (where we want to go), lived a perfect life, and died a horrible death because we have sinned. A perfect sacrifice for an imperfect people. There is no doubt we should honor that sacrifice everyday of our lives, but the Father has set up a special memorial every Sunday for us to remember Jesus’ sacrifice. That memorial is the Lord’s Supper. It is a time where we come together every Sunday to remember the body that hung on the cross and the blood that was shed for us.

Some view Sunday as just a day off work like a holiday. They have worked hard all week and have to go back on Monday so they rest instead of remember. There are all kinds of things to buy, and you might find a good deal so they shop instead of remember. They do not have much time off, and a lot of fun things are happening so they play instead of remember. Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, calls Christians to remember (1 Corinthians 11:23-34). We are called together to remember so we can refocus on our priority and that is to glorify God. When I remember what Christ has done for me, I must ask: how can I glorify Him?