Memorial Day BBQ 2017

Memorial Day a reflection of God’s sacrifice

Today we remember the military service members who have given their lives in the service of our country, who have given their lives in service to us. Many of them have spilled their blood on our behalf that we might have freedom, freedom to worship, freedom from oppressive powers both within and without. They have also given their lives for the freedom of others around the world, and defended the weak and defenseless throughout. They have set for us an example to emulate.

Likewise, Jesus Christ commanded his disciples to love one another as he loved them, and continued by saying that “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (). And it’s precisely this love and this sacrifice that we see emulated by our men and women enlisted to protect our great nation.

Yet, I remind you that their service and their sacrifice is but an echo of the service and the sacrifice made by our Lord, Jesus Christ. We are touched by the sacrifices made for us by our fellow men and women because their sacrifice touches the greater reality that we are all a part of. The greater reality that we are in need of a savior, and not just salvation from our earthly circumstances like war, famine, or oppression, but salvation from the consequences of our sin.

It’s a salvation that’s far more important than merely the protection of our bodies from harm or our emotions from pain, but a salvation that saves us from eternal punishment. A salvation that brings us to God, that forgives us of our sin, and that justifies us before a holy God.

This is precisely the good news, the gospel, that is freely offered to us by God through his son Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” So I pray that if you haven’t done so already, that you humble yourself before God and turn to him. While the burden of sin and guilt is heavy, Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” ()

We cannot work our way into heaven, our good deeds will never outweigh our sin. In fact, God says that even our good works are like filthy rags, but he does not leave us without a way of salvation. He sent his Son to live a perfect life, die a death as a ransom for many, and provide for us a righteousness that is not our own. Because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice we can be forgiven our sin, have our guilt removed and be given hope of eternal life with Him.

This is precisely the good news freely offered by God through his son Jesus Christ.

So today as we remember our fallen veterans let us also remember the much greater sacrifice made by God’s Son on behalf of those who put their trust in him for their righteousness.

Amen.