Memorial Day was established in 1868 and it is only celebrated in the United States. The Civil War erupted in our great country shortly after gaining independence from England. This was the deadliest and bloodiest war in our country’s history. After the killing stopped, agreements were reached and peace finally prevailed. Soon, Americans in various towns, began holding springtime tributes to the countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers. Memorial Day was first known as Decoration Day, then changed and became officially Memorial Day in 1971. It was established to honor the soldiers who died in the Civil War. Now the day is marked by parades, military services, and moments of remembrance across the United States. One reason we remember this holiday is because we had the battle in our own country. Battle lines were drawn, and bloodshed began because of individuals’ differences. Why should we celebrate Memorial Day? So we do not ever let our differences lead to that level of violence and massacre again.
As Christians, we also have a Memorial Day we celebrate, not once a year, but every week. This memorial feast has no boundaries because it is worldwide. It also serves as a reminder that Jesus Christ died so we can live in unity and freedom. We remember the importance of recalling His sacrificial death. Jesus shed His blood and died that we may have prefect unity with our Heavenly Father and each other. Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians about having unity in the Spirit. How God, before the foundation of the world, wanted His people to live in unity and harmony.
However, it is interesting that in chapter 6 of Ephesian, he explains that there is a warfare taking place, but it isn’t with flesh and blood. It is happening in the spiritual world. We are in a battle for freedom, but not from our neighbor or mankind, but the evil forces that are in opposition to Jesus and His disciples.
As previously mentioned, we have a living memorial that we celebrate each week. The Lord’s Supper is a time to reflect on our relationship with Christ, to remember His ultimate sacrifice and to anticipate His return. Jesus commands us to “do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19) While the Lord’s Supper recalls the death of Christ, it also points forward to His resurrection and ultimate return.
Let us celebrate our nation’s Memorial Day with an awareness of unity and a collective sense of gratitude for the freedoms enjoyed today. Let us, when we partake of our Lord’s Supper, remember the power of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, until He comes. My hope is we can all celebrate this time together.
In Christ,
Steve
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