Memorial Day Devotion - Enjoy this Day! - Acts 17:18

Acts 17:18       A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to dispute with him. Some of them asked, "What is this babbler trying to say?" Others remarked, "He seems to be advocating foreign gods." They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.

            All across the land, families will be gathering together, enjoying Memorial Day. For most Americans, it’s a sacred day to honor those who gave of their lives in past and present wars, as well as a time to respect and remember those among us who are still serving our country in the military. There will also be a lot of feasting and fun because the best way to commemorate the war dead is to live life freely and fully, enjoying the precious liberty that we have with our loved ones, and embracing the freedom that we have been selflessly given.

            It’s also a day of faith, hope, and love when people of small towns and large cities will gather at military cemeteries to place small flags over the graves of those who served so long ago. Red, white, and blue is to be seen everywhere, and the Stars and Stripes is flown from flagpoles and homes all across the country. It’s a beautiful sight to see and a wonderful blessing to experience.

            For those of us who are Christians, there is also the wonderful hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ, who also gave of His Life so that we may be saved from our sins, restored to God’s Kingdom, and blessed with everlasting life. One amazing day, when Christ returns, all of those heroes’ graves will burst open jubilantly and the sleeping warriors within them will be raised to the glorious eternity that we all seek. Our commemorations of the dead will suddenly become celebrations of Life and we will all be together with Christ forever. This is the good news that Paul preached about in Athens; this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we continue to share today, till the end of Time.

Questions for personal reflection

What does Memorial Day mean to me? How are my freedom and faith connected to my salvation in Christ?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, on this special day when we remember the fallen heroes of our nation, we also remind ourselves of Your Supreme Sacrifice which has given us hope for the Life that is yet to come. Be with our people this day, and as we honor those who have served and are still serving our nation, keep us mindful of the service that we can still give to You each day. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask a question about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is a Memorial Day drawing of John’s called “Memorial Tears.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/traqair57/2525663285/sizes/l/in/photostream/