Memorial Day is the day we remember those who died in defense of our country and principles— a day to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. We commemorate the day with family, friends, and food—enjoying the jovialness that freedom provides, a freedom preserved by those who sacrificed.
For believers, the idea of commemoration should come natural to us. It’s written into the DNA of our faith. Many of Israel’s instituted actions were to be done as a memorial for what God had done in their past: Passover, Joshua’s 12 stones, Samuel’s Ebenezer to name just a few. One memorial in particular is noted this way:
Exodus 13:7-10
7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days; no leavened bread shall be seen with you, and no leaven shall be seen with you in all your territory. 8 You shall tell your son on that day, ‘It is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ 9 And it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt. 10 You shall therefore keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year.
Key phrase: It is because of what the Lord did for me when…
As believers, we all have a story that starts with the phrase, “Here’s what the Lord did for me.” But how do we commemorate that story? What reminders do we have, like unleavened bread in Exodus 13, that trigger our memories and prompt those around us to ask about our faith?
We experience many works and traits of God, not only through salvation, but also as part of our journey along the way. Below are examples of these works and traits—things “the Lord did for me.” Obviously there are many more, but use this short list as a thought-starter to help answer the question: What traits or works of God have been most prevalent in my faith journey? Don’t be afraid to spend some time on this question: take a walk, enjoy solitude, sit and meditate.
Redemption, Forgiveness, Restoration, Grace, Mercy, Unconditional Love
Now, just as God instructed Israel to do on many occasions, infuse your personally prominent works and traits of God with an appropriate “altar” of remembrance. Here are ideas for altars:
- Actual altar: A place in your home where you can simply kneel, sit, recline in solitude and remember what God has done for you.
- Physical reminder (“a sign”): a bracelet, a stone, a refrigerator magnet, a picture of a rainbow for your e-device wallpaper—something that is reminiscent of the key traits and works of God in your life. Of course, an actual rainbow is a good reminder, too.
- Communion: Jesus gave us an act of commemoration when He repurposed the Passover meal, saying “Do this in remembrance of me” to remember the sacrifice He made for us.
- Behavior: Changed behavior may be the best altar—behavior that causes those around us to ask “why”? Why do you strive for sexual purity? Why do you give up a weekend morning of extra sleep to go to church? Why don’t you complain like all the other workers?
Use the occasion of Memorial Day to deepen your gratitude for what’s been done for you. Reflect on the sacrifice of men and women in the service of our country. Meditate on the sacrifice of Jesus in service to you. This is one occasion when it’s okay to use the pronoun “me” as you ponder the question, “What has Jesus done for me?”