Memorials

Some memorials are just remembrances on other occassions monuments are erected to enduce a memory. This is not new. In Scripture, Deuteronomy 4:9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; (KJV)

Then in Joshua Chapter 4 when the waters were parted and the Israelites crossed the Jordan river, God instructed them to take 12 stones and build a memorial as a reminder to the miracle that God had performed.

And in the New Testament, Luke 22:19,20 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (KJV)

In the instances cited above, notice they pointed to God. I have no problem with our Memorial Day Holiday. I think it is great that we have a day set aside for remembrances. (Here is a good history of Memorial Day) It originally was set aside to honor the war dead and has morphed into a remembrance for all of our military who gave the ultimate sacrifice as well as loved ones that have passed away.

What I suggest is we not only remember our couragous men and women who gave their lives that we can still enjoy our great country, its liberties and freedoms, but take it as an opportunity to thank God for the country for which they were willing to make that sacrifice. It is because of God that our forefathers took the direction they did in establishing our government. We have come a long way since its inception and only recently have we attempted to hide, cover and disavow God's involvment in our affairs. Shame on us. Those of us who are believers truly have become the silent majority. We need to be shouting it from the roof tops.

If this memorial day you were remembering parents or loved ones that have gone on to their eternal reward, I also suggest you take the time to give God the praise for the love they gave you. It is only because of Him that we have the ability to love. Love is the greatest of all emotions and 1 John 4:8 and 16 tells us that "God is love." Therefore it is an emotion that allows us to experience a part of Him. Acknowledge it or not, if you are or have been loved it is because of God and He needs to be praised for that.

So as well as making memorial day a day of remembering each year make it a day of thanksgiving as well. Two thanksgiving days a year is surely not asking too much. To God be the Glory for our nation and our loved ones.