Memorial Day
More than just a "memory"
Romans 12:17-21 (ESV)
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Today and tomorrow are national holidays in the US and the official beginning of summer. Memorial Day is a day for reflecting on and honoring the soldiers who have fought for our sovereignty and freedoms.
Not only did many give their life for our country, but many lost limbs, vision, hearing, and more. Many spent many months in hospitals and rehab centers. Many overcame their physical disabilities, demonstrating their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual strength in many ways. Many are still struggling to recover to be as close to their previous self as they can be.
As NATO and the US continue to goad Ukraine into a full-scale war with Russia using US-funded and provided weapons (and then dragging in the rest of the world for a war), as Christians, we need to stand on what the Bible says about war.
Don’t repay evil with evil.
Do what is honorable.
Live peaceably with all.
Leave the wrath to God.
Overcome evil with good.
(I would add, do what is morally correct in the eyes of God).
As Jesus said in part of His Sermon on the Mount: (Matt 5:5-9 (ESV))
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Father, we are grateful for those who have suffered and even died for America, the America we once knew and hope to restore. We pray for those who are recovering from battlefield injuries and for those who were injured at the hands of our own government by the gene-changing COVID-19 jab. Their wounds are treated as though they were minor bruises, saying, “All is well,” when in reality, more disaster looms on the horizon.
Lord, this weekend, as we reflect on the losses within our own country, we pay for those in other countries who are losing their children, their men, their women, their homes, their livelihoods, their limbs, and their lives over some ideal we have lost sight of. What do we stand for in the world, Lord?
We should stand on Your Word and stand for You in love. Father, please remove the hatred from our hearts. Let’s be more loving and forgiving, as You love and forgive us. If we are true to You, then justice can truly be Yours. They will be done forever and ever. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
My heart aches thinking about generations that fought for the freedoms we once had and as you said pray it will be restored. How all those who have been wounded and many still struggling to function from loss of limbs and those with PTS must be irate about what this government is allowing to happen. They fought to prevent what is happening here in America today. I was recently told that many states still don't provide the care that our veterans deserve. How quickly people forget! Written on one of the Memorials says: "FREEDOM IS NOT FREE" The names on "The Wall" war memorials is evidence how true those words are that so many gave their lives through many wars to keep this country free. I continue to lean on 2 Chronicles 7:13-15 for God's restoration of America.
Grateful for those who have given their lives for our freedoms. May we realize the cost and reflect on the sacrifice.