Memorial Day Reflection

      Memorial Day is back—and with it summer! The flags along the streets of Pipestone bring us to remember those who gave everything for us. Memorial Day began as Decoration Day following the Civil War (1868). Businesses would close and thousands would gather at local cemeteries to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. First celebrated on May 30 and now the last Monday of May, the purpose of Memorial Day stands the same: to remember those soldiers who gave their lives to give us freedom.

153 years ago, on the very first National Decoration Day, President James Garfield made this statement to those gathered at Arlington Cemetery: For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue. For the noblest man that lives, there still remains a conflict. He must still withstand the assaults of time and fortune, must still be assailed with temptations, before which lofty natures have fallen; but with these the conflict ended, the victory was won, when death stamped on them the great seal of heroic character, and closed a record which years can never blot. (James Garfield, May 30, 1868)

In his letter to a young pastor, the Apostle Paul similarly calls us to remember a death that marked great victory. He tells Timothy: Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel (2 Timothy 2:8, ESV). Paul is saying remember all that Jesus did for you. Remember that Jesus lived the life you could never live. Remember that Jesus died the death that you deserved to die. Remember that Jesus rose from the dead, defeated death, and offers you eternal life.

And so, as you take a weekend away from the normal routines of life, enjoy your family. Enjoy your rest. Enjoy your camper. Enjoy your boat. Enjoy some hamburgers and brats. But please, please take a moment to remember. Remember the soldiers who gave their lives. Remember your freedom. Remember your heritage. But most of all, use this moment to remind your family and friends of the One, Jesus Christ, who won the battle against sin, death, and the devil.

Let me close with the words that Paul gave Timothy following the call to remember Jesus Christ: The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with [Jesus Christ], we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:11–13, ESV) May we never forget!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day—and summer!
Pastor Matthew