Memorial Day and the Gospel
Memorial Day weekend is here. For many people, it’s just another 3-day holiday. For our nation, however, it’s a day to remember and honor our military men and women who have given their lives for the cause of freedom and justice, pushing back the tide of evil wherever it arose.
War is not desirable, and in war, many sins are committed against all sorts of people. But not all aspects of war are sin, and in our fallen world, war is simply inevitable when people and nations of people are unjust towards each other. We look forward to a time when all wars will end and God’s righteousness will reign over all nations.
In such a politically charged culture and season, it’s become taboo to demonstrate any sort of patriotism as a Christian. Accusations of “Christian Nationalism” or “Theocracy” can cause the Christian to shy away from any public displays of patriotism or national pride. I think we can humbly resist those accusations and find a reason to celebrate our national identity while being true to the Gospel.
What does the Bible have to say about military service?
The men of Israel were obligated to military service if necessary at 20 years of age, and the census of men was based on their eligibility to go to war.
Exodus 15:3 declares, “The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is His name.”
David praises God in Psalm 144, boldly saying, “Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and He in whom I take refuge who subdues peoples under me.”
John the Baptizer exhorted soldiers to act justly and honestly in their military service. (Luke 3).
Jesus praised the faith of the Roman Centurion (officer) as the greatest example he’d seen in all of Israel (Luke 7).
Peter visited another Roman Centurion, Cornelius, and led him and his family to faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 10).
Paul praised God that the entire Roman imperial guard that he was imprisoned under had recognized the significance of service to Jesus Christ (Philippians 1).
Paul would also reference military service as an exemplary standard for Christian living, commitment, and sacrifice (2 Timothy 2:3-4).
Overall, we see a positive perspective on military service and the sacrifices that accompany that service in the Bible.
Finally, Jesus summed up the value of sacrifice this way, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Our nation’s military have certainly demonstrated this kind of love for their fellow citizens, and deserve our respect for it.
So in all of our activities this weekend, let’s take a moment to thank God and honor the sacrifice of our American military men and women who gave their lives in the service of our country and our freedom, the very freedom that allows us to practice our faith in Jesus Christ without fear of persecution. I don’t know how much longer we will get to enjoy that freedom in our country, but we can appreciate the ultimate price that has been paid and continues to be paid to ensure it could continue.
Pray for America. We need Jesus so desperately. It’s His ultimate sacrifice that secures the way for every person and our nation to find the best kind of freedom on this earth and for eternity.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Keith
*This email was originally written as an email update from River Community Church