Happy Memorial Day!

Jeff Hodgson May 31, 2010

After the Civil War, communities began to set aside one day each year in which the sacrifice of fallen soldiers was remembered, and to honor their memory.  Not many people know, however, that it didn’t actually become a national holiday until 1971.

Is Memorial Day important to observe?  I think so, and here’s why.

Romans 12 tells us to outdo one another in showing honor.  In so doing, we have opportunity to recognize the things of God and the grace of God at work in each others' lives.

So how do we glorify God on this Memorial Day?

1)  First, remember those who laid down their lives for the good of others, because of the great love that it demonstrates.  Especially remember that this points to that greatest love that Jesus spoke of in John 15.13:  “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.”  Self-sacrifice, in whatever form we see it, should remind us of the Savior.

2)  Second, remember the common grace of God that He has given to us.  Romans 13 tells us that the state exists as God’s instrument to restrain evil.  Let’s remember and be thankful for the times our nation and our military have been God’s instrument of restraining evil, and pray that it would do so again.

Happy Memorial Day!