Dear Easter People,
“ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN! …”
Memorial Day was established as a day of remembrance in 1868 to honor those who lost their lives in the American Civil War. Over the years, it became a nationwide day to honor all who died defending freedoms many of us take for granted, including the freedom to worship as one sees fit.
It’s fitting today that we also remember the many who gave their lives to help us receive the gift of another, more important freedom … freedom from the tyranny of sin. God has called many brave men and women to proclaim His Word to a world living in darkness. These prophets, apostles, and disciples risked their lives, in many cases losing those lives, for the sake of God’s Word. In fact, of Jesus’ twelve Apostles, only John died naturally. The others were killed for the sake of His Word, giving up their lives so others could hear His Word which gives everlasting life to all who believe in the name of Jesus Christ (John 20:31).
At the close of John’s gospel, Jesus tells Peter, one of those killed on behalf of the gospel, “’I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.” (John 21:18-19) Despite knowing the fate that awaited him, Peter boldly proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ saying, “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified … Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:36, 38) And 3000 souls were saved that day. According to early Christian writers, Peter was killed for his beliefs during the Emperor Nero’s Christian persecutions in 64 A.D.
Finally, the ultimate sacrifice that makes every day of our life “Memorial Day” is the sacrifice Jesus made by giving up His life for ours in dying on the Cross. Unlike all others, the apostles who died to spread His Word, as well as veterans who died to protect the freedom to worship as we see fit, Jesus rose to new life three days later. In rising He defeated the power of sin and death which enables Peter, the other apostles, those who died in conflict believing in Jesus’ work for them, and all who’ve died in the faith to also rise to new life.
As you celebrate Memorial Day each year, take a moment to remember and honor those who’ve sacrificed their lives on our behalf. Thank God for the countless servants who’ve sacrificed their lives to bring God’s Word of truth and life to us today … the Word that frees us from the tyranny of sin, death, and the devil through the ultimate sacrifice — the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
“… HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!”
In the Love of our Risen Savior,
Pastor Jim