Sacrifice Remembered

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Memorial Day weekend is traditionally considered the start of the camping season, a time to take advantage of a three-day weekend, get away, and relax. How many of us, though, take the time to think about what it is that we celebrate? What distinguishes Memorial Day from other holidays is that this particular day is set aside to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs website, "On Memorial Day the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation's battle heroes." This day above other holidays commemorates those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Jesus says in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lays down his life for his friends." This verse is appropriately often used in funerals for those who have died in combat. However, this verse also points us to someone else who died for our freedom. God the Son laid aside His own divine rights and privileges, leaving His place and coming to earth. Jesus added a truly human nature to His truly divine nature, living a perfect, righteous life that none of us is capable of living. Jesus then obeyed His Father's will to the fullest extent by laying down His life for us; the spotless Lamb took upon Himself the sins of the world. Christ's death purchased eternal freedom for whomever will come to the Father in humble repentance. His resurrection validated that the price had been paid, that death had been conquered.

As we think back on what was commemorated yesterday, let us remember that the message we have to share in our churches and communities is a message of forgiveness and eternal freedom, purchased for us by One who was willing to lay down His life for His friends.