Memorial Day is so much more than just an opportunity for a three day weekend. John 15:13 reminds us: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Memorial Day originated after the Civil War to honor fallen soldiers. Sadly, and tragically, wars seem to never cease even as we find ourselves in an uncertain war in the Middle East. For those who have sacrificed in order to give us the freedoms we enjoy, to them we owe the greatest debt. Every time I go to Washington, I am drawn to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with the names of over 58,000 inscribed. I run my fingers over the names of two individuals I knew personally
Of course the ultimate debt we pay moves us to Calvary where on a hill far away and long ago the Savior of the world willingly offered up his last breath that we might be forgiven and have the gift of eternal life. I can’t help but think of the words from the old hymn—“love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”
The sacrifice of others, and ultimately the sacrifice of Jesus, demands our gratitude and calls us to a higher devotion to others as well. Remember this Memorial Day, it is for you that Jesus and many others gave their lives. May we never forget.
Brave Journey,
Bill
