Memorial Day

by: Josh Robinson

On the last Monday in May, this nation celebrates Memorial Day. It is a national holiday that is dedicated to the fallen soldiers who have gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country, so that we might live in freedom. From the limited amount of research that I have been able to do, over 1.5 million Americans have died in service to their country. I would like to express my gratitude and respect to all those who gave their lives, have served, or are serving in the Armed Forces. THANK YOU! On this Memorial Day, as we stop to pay our respects to those who have given their lives for our freedoms, let us remember other who have died for a the greatest cause of all.

During this national holiday, let us take a moment to observe a SPIRITUAL MEMORIAL DAY. As noted above, there have been over 1.5 million Americans who have died for their country. In contrast, there have been over 70 million “CHRISTIANS” who have died for their beliefs. (World Christian Encyclopedia (2001) According to the source mentioned, this number includes anyone who died prematurely, by human aggression for expressing their beliefs. These individuals (for the most part) died so that we can continue to worship God in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24) These martyrs began in the first century and continue to this day. Many sources are available for further study in this area, one of the best being, Fox’s Book of Martyrs. It is accepted that all of the apostles, save John, were put to death for their beliefs, and untold Christians were murdered and exterminated during the persecutions of the 1st century. I would, however, like to look to the New Testament for examples of those who gave their life for the faith we now possess.

Jesus Christ died for our faith (to establish our faith!)
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8) For further study please read the following chapters: Matthew 26-28, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-24, and John 18-20.

Stephen died for his faith in the Lord,
Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.…But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him…. he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:54-60)

Anitpas died for his faith in Christ.
And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: 'The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. "'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. (Rev 2:12-13)

As we remember the fallen heroes of this nation during Memorial Day, let us also remember the fallen heroes of our faith. Because of the unwavering faith that these martyrs demonstrated, and of God’s unfathomable grace, mercy, longsuffering, and providence, we can worship proudly.