A Memorial Day Plea

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember those who have died in service of our nation. Many of you know of someone who died during their service in the military. For some, this was your very children. Today, we express a small token of the rightful appreciation due to these men and women.

Let’s pray:

Father in Heaven,

We come before your throne on this day to remember the courage of people who stood against evil in foreign and domestic places. The uniform of our military is a reminder of the justice found in you, holy God. I pray your healing presence is with father and mothers, uncles and aunts, and sisters and brothers who have lost their family members in service to such great ideas of religious freedom. You never intended anyone to be forced into conversion for faith to you and you certainly desire everyone to have the right to know you in all nations. Father, may you bless us with the courage to stand against religious tyranny anywhere and everywhere. Will you give us brave men and women to boldly push back against evil dictators who seek to prevent people from have access to you and your word.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

It’s only fitting for Memorial Day to hear the word from an ancient warrior, King David of Israel.

Today’s Scripture

Of David. 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. 4 One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. 6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. 7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! 8 You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” 9 Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! 10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. 11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. 13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:1–14)!

1. My Power to Endure Life’s Battles

Several images have inspired our nation during times of war.

1.1 The Revolutionary War

For Francis Scott Key it was the image of the Star Spangled Banner that motivated him through the fiercest of battles. He had gone out to the British fleet, if you remember, under a flag of truce. He was detained on board while the bombardment of Fort Henry took place. It was a long and terrible night for the young patriot. The struggling colonies of America were against the vast resources of the great British Empire. He watched as all night the heavy guns of England pounded the fort. But in the morning he saw “by the dawns early light the star spangled banner yet waving,” and it was this inspired that inspired him to write the song that is now, our national anthem. The climax of the song is found in the last stanza, a part we do not often sing today: “Then conquer we must, When our cause is just. And this be our motto: In God is our trust.”

1.2 The Second World War

When we think of inspiration during wartime, we think of our fight against the imperialistic aspirations of the Japanese. Of course, it was a measure of “payback” and justice that inspired many Americans to declare war on Japan during WW II. The image of Pearl Harbor’s bombing and its 2,400 deaths on December 7, 1941, lived in the minds of many Americans during this time. Our President at the time, Franklin D. Roosevelt stated this the very next day: “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.” Back closer to home, there was Rosie the Riveter, the iconic image of a working women inspired women to leave the house and work in defense industries around the nation.