A True Memorial Day

Social media has recently passed along several postings concerning the true meaning of Memorial Day. A three-day weekend, another day to barbecue or even a day with friends is not the true meaning behind the Memorial Day holiday. Even taking time to think of those actively fighting in the military or our veterans is not the true meaning of this day. (Armed Forces and Veterans day are designated for these.) Memorial Day is a time to remember those who lost their lives fighting for the freedom that we enjoy as American citizens. From its inception after the Civil War, this day always centered around placing flags on the graves of the fallen and thoughtful appreciation for the price they paid.
Do we ever take time to have a spiritual Memorial Day? On Good Friday we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ followed by a celebration on Easter Sunday of His resurrection. We also contemplate the death and resurrection as a community of believers when we participate in the Lord's Supper. Hopefully these are not the only times that we reflect on the death that paid for the freedom that we now live in as believers in Jesus Christ. We have been given a precious freedom through these.
Beyond reflecting on the death of Jesus, do we consider the life of those who were murdered for their faith? The Old Testament verses repeatedly speak of God’s people killing the prophets when they have desired to live in sinful ways. (See Nehemiah and 1Kings for two examples.) The historical Lives of the Prophets includes Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel as those who were killed. The scripture accounts of John the Baptist’s and Stephen’s death for speaking the truth as God required.
Throughout the years since the resurrection, many have given their lives in defense of the Gospel. Beginning with many of the Apostles and early believers and continuing through the generations, men and women have stood up for their faith even at the cost of death. These lives have impacted the freedom that we have to worship God today.
We may not always understand how the deaths of these murders have had an effect our personal lives. But I think of how much men like William Tyndale sacrificed in order that the Word of God could be written in the English language that I have access to today. Other Heroes of the faith have died in many ways to ensure that the true gospel of salvation for all who believe would endure until this time that we live in. Missionaries and many believers worldwide give their lives even today to proclaim the life given us through Jesus Christ.
Appreciation for all those who have fought for the faith is vital for believers. God considers the death of His children precious. “Precious (important and no light matter) in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (His loving ones).” (Psalm 116:15 AMP) Should we not consider it precious as well?
As we get together with friends and possibly have picnics and barbeques today, we can do so because of the high cost paid by others. We should take time to celebrate the freedom that they died to provide. As Christians we should also celebrate the freedom Jesus died to pay for. “Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:1-2 AMP) We also celebrate what countless others have died to ensure that we could hear and receive the truth of. “So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, ‘If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.’” (John 8:31-32 AMP)

Today, express your thanksgiving to God both for the heroes of this nation and the heroes of the faith. Both have paid a costly price for us!