“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Today is Memorial Day. This American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, should be a somber time of remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving in the military. Originally it was known as Decoration Day. I can well remember my grandparents calling it this as we got into their ’52 Chevy and drove to the cemetery with the pots containing bright red geraniums. Decoration Day originated in the years following the Civil War. Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971. Men and women died. Families sacrificed their best so that we can enjoy the blessings of freedom. Our freedom is far from free. To be sure, we must honor our fallen soldiers. But even greater, we must remember that there is One Who gave up everything as He laid down His life for us on the cross. He shed His blood. He was dead for three days and nights. He rose victoriously over sin, the grave, and death itself so that those who trust Him alone for salvation might know the joy of spiritual freedom. It’s Memorial Day, and you and I have a lot to think about and a lot for which to be thankful.
For today: Take time to honor the memory of those who died for your freedom. Take time to praise the One Who died and rose again.