MEMORIAL DAY
As we approach the final Monday of May, our nation will once again observe Memorial Day — a solemn occasion to remember all of those who have sacrificed their lives for our country and our freedom. Of all of our national holidays, this may be one of the most profound as we honor men and women who willingly served in our armed forces knowing the price they might one day pay.
Given our propensity to have our attention consumed by the moment and the latest headlines, or even looking ahead to some future plans or desires, we do well as a people to have regular times of remembrance. Even for a nation as young as ours, it is helpful to again be reminded of the countless sacrifices that others have made to bring us to this day.
This priority of humble remembrance is even more necessary for the people of God. Throughout the Bible, God calls for His chosen people to remember Him and what He has done. The reason for this is not God’s vanity but our memory. God is faithful, and we are forgetful.
Psalm 105 proclaims God’s faithfulness to His people. Reflect on the opening verses:
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;
proclaim his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell about all his wondrous works!
Honor his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.
Remember the wondrous works he has done,
his wonders, and the judgments he has pronounced,
you offspring of Abraham his servant,
Jacob’s descendants — his chosen ones.— Psalm 105:1–6 (CSB)
As we recount the Lord’s deeds and praise His name, we are to constantly recall His works (those things that only He could have done), His wonders (those miracles and signs He has performed), and His judgments (those pronouncements found within His written word).
By remaining ever-mindful of God’s power and His faithfulness in the past, we are also reminded of His promises for the future. In so doing, we are able to travel through this world lighter and less burdened because we know that this is not our home. We set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. We await our arrival in a heavenly home where we will enter the presence of our Lord and Savior. And that is something always worth remembering!
— Josh