MEMORIAL DAY: HONOURING SACRIFICE, EMBRACING PURPOSE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 15:13
Supporting Texts: Romans 13:7, Hebrews 11:4, 2 Timothy 2:3, Psalm 116:15
INTRODUCTION:
Memorial Day is more than a holiday; it's a sacred moment to reflect on the price of freedom. It reminds us of those who gave their lives in service to their country — people who understood the cost of peace and bore it with courage. As believers, we can draw inspiration from their example and honour their memory with lives of purpose, sacrifice, and spiritual commitment.
1. SACRIFICE IS THE FOUNDATION OF FREEDOM
a) Freedom always has a cost (John 15:13):
Just as soldiers laid down their lives, Jesus gave His life for our eternal freedom.
b) Remembering inspires gratitude (Psalm 103:2):
We must never forget the blessings we enjoy came through someone’s sacrifice.
c) True heroes live and die for a cause greater than themselves (2 Timothy 2:3):
We honour their memory by living purposefully.
d) Every believer is called to sacrificial living (Romans 12:1):
We must offer ourselves daily for God's service and others’ good.
Biblical Example: Stephen, the first martyr, gave his life for the truth of the gospel (Acts 7:54-60).
2. HONOURING THE FALLEN WITH RIGHTEOUS LIVING
a) Honour is due to those who gave their lives (Romans 13:7):
We show honour by living out the values they died defending.
b) Righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34):
Living holy lives builds a stronger spiritual legacy.
c) God remembers acts of sacrifice (Hebrews 6:10):
No service given in love or sacrifice is ever forgotten by God.
d) Let us become legacy bearers (Psalm 112:6):
Living right ensures our lives will also be remembered with honour.
Biblical Example: Abel’s righteous offering still speaks today (Hebrews 11:4).
CONCLUSION:
As we commemorate Memorial Day, let us not only remember the heroes of our nations but also reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. May we be inspired to live selfless, godly lives that honour both God and those who laid down their lives for our freedom.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.
2. Help me to live a life worthy of their sacrifice.
3. Empower me to honour others through love and service.
4. Let my life reflect Your righteousness and peace.
5. Heal every grieving heart this Memorial Day.
6. Give comfort to the families of fallen heroes.
7. Raise up a generation committed to truth and service.
8. Protect those who serve in our military today.
9. Let peace reign in our nation and the world.
10. May Your kingdom values prevail in every land.
