Memorial Day weekend will soon be here. It is the unofficial beginning of summer. Here in Old Bridge, many people will flock to the Jersey Shore. There will be cookouts and pool parties. Summer is here!
But there is another part of Memorial Day which is much more sobering. It is on this day we remember those who gave their lives in the fight for freedom. Because they sacrificed their lives, we are able to enjoy our day at the beach. We offer gratitude and honor them for what they did.
As we honor the brave men and women who secured our political freedom, we also honor the one who secured our ultimate freedom over sin, death, and the devil. Jesus gave us everything. He sacrificed his life for the cause of ultimate freedom. Memorial Day is a day for remembering. Through Jesus, we remember:
- God is Good. It is sometimes popular to blame God when “bad” things happen. But remember everything “good” we have in our lives comes from God. The “bad” is on us. The “bad” results from choices we make apart from God’s will. The “bad” results from sin in our lives. We recognize we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) But through it all, God is good!
- God is Able. He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20) There is nothing impossible with him. The size of your vision is proportional to the size of your God. How big is your God?
- God is Wisdom. Jesus says he is the Way! (John 14:6) There is no better path to follow than God’s path. When we are looking to make a difficult decision, there is no better choice to make than to make God’s choice. It is often a difficult choice, but is always the right choice.
- God is Present. “Never will I leave or forsake you,” says the Lord. (Hebrews 13:5) Jesus promise is that he is with us always. There may be times in life where God feels far away. But don’t let your emotions deceive you. He is just as close as he has ever been. When you are walking through the valley, let him take you by the hand.
- We have a mission to help others not forget. There are many who do not realize the gift of God through Jesus. Some have not been told. Some have forgot. Others are indifferent. This weekend there are many who will raise the flag. They will salute the fallen. We will do the same. But let us also make sure to lift high the cross and salute our Savior who has won our ultimate freedom.
Haydee Cardona says
Thank You for that revelation which we humans take for granted. Never thought of that.
Diane says
I have missed not having your daily devotions since lent. Thank you so much for sending the Memorial Day Prayer. I always look forward to reading them,
Gloria Moore says
I agree with Diane. I have missed your devotions. You are gifted – thank you for sharing the WORD.
Deborah Nelson says
I have missed you too and was so happy to see this in my Inbox. Thank you!