It’s Memorial Day Weekend. It’s a beautiful weekend. Monday’s off, the kids’ activities are winding to a close, resulting in a little margin for our lives, and the school load is starting to lighten as well. Advertisers use this weekend, too. Pandora’s trying to get me to upgrade to commercial-free so I can kick back on this lazy weekend. They won’t get me that easy!
But in the midst of all these wonderful things – and they are wonderful – it’s easy to forget about what Memorial Day is all about. I have a friend, a veteran of the Navy, mention on his facebook that there’s no need to thank him for his service on Sunday. While he appreciates the sentiment, the time for that is Veteran’s Day.
Memorial Day is the day to remember those who have died in the service of our country. We too often take our way of life for granted. But the cost was high. Thousands upon thousands have died for the freedom of our nation – and for the freedom of other nations. The cost could not have been higher. The reward is amazing – even if we do take it for granted at times.
But as wonderful as this gift is, it is not the greatest gift ever given. But, if we’re looking, it will point us to that greatest gift – Jesus who died and rose again that we could not just have freedom in this life, but eternal freedom and joy in Him. Last week we touched on this passage from Colossians:
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. – Colossians 2.13-15
Our enemies have been defeated by Jesus on the cross. And not only are we given life in Him, but Jesus’ glory is so astounding that all creation will find its place under His Lordship.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things were created through him and for him.
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. – Colossians 1.15-20
Pastor Brett’s going to lead us in delighting in His Lordship tomorrow morning. I hope to see you there!
And after church, thank God for those soldiers who have given their lives for our freedom and the freedom of others all around the world. And let that be a reminder that Jesus has died for your freedom and that of your brothers and sisters all over the world.
See you in the morning,
Pastor Justin
Reminders
- Annual Celebration is coming. After our June 7 services we’ll be meeting with all the other campuses to celebrate what God has done over the last year with a wonderful carnival at Grace Christian School in Cypress.
- Father’s Day is June 21. Come for breakfast at 9:00. We’ll also have a car show. If you have an antique, or even interesting car, let us know and we’ll keep a place for you.
- We’d like to have a baptism soon. If you want to take this step of faith, please fill out a Connection Card indicating so on Sunday morning or email me.