Jesus said) "... Do this in remembrance of Me." 1 Corinthians 11:24b
What does Memorial Day mean to you? Perhaps a trip to the cemetery, or several cemeteries and place flowers at the graves of family members?
The following words were used when Memorial Day was established; they are taken from General Order Number 11, that was written in 1868 by General John Logan who was then serving as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. "If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us." Reflections from back in the day.
Even as he encouraged people to remember those who gave the full measure during the Civil War, General Logan recognized one of humanity's great flaws: we too often tend to forget those to whom we owe much.
People have forgotten those who gave their lives to preserve their physical freedom. Things aren't much different in the spiritual realm.
Farther back in the day, twenty centuries ago, Jesus Christ, God's Son and our Redeemer, gave His life to save us. On Calvary's cross He died so we might no longer be condemned; our sin filled slate was wiped clean…forever. Jesus allowed Himself to be sacrificed so all who believe in Him might live forgiven and free. All He asked in return was for His people to believe in Him and remember all He has done to save them.
Jesus wants us to remember; but these days, most people forget.
So, this Memorial Day, remember General Logan's orders and reread with an inclusion; "If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall REMEMBER THE SAVIOR and keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us."
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay