Memorial Day is a holiday in the United States.
Sadly, many people only recognize it as that — a holiday. But Memorial Day is a day created to remember the brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to this country.
On this Memorial Day weekend, Mike’s lesson calls to mind the great warriors of the Old Testament mentioned in Hebrews 11.
There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in cavesand in holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:35-40 (NIV)
As Christians, we should never take for granted that what we do today, as Christians, is built upon a sacrifice; a sacrifice given in battle with Satan.
Not only should we remember, but we should ensure that our children don’t forget.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.
Psalm 71:17-18 (NIV)