memorial day

Memorial Day is our first Summer holiday here in the United States, and in it we remember the soldiers of the United States who have died in military action to defend the freedoms we enjoy here. Flowers adorn the cemetaries of such, and I'm sure from whatever country any reader may be from and a citizen of, you too would want to remember and honor your nation's men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

As a Christian whose identity is found as one belonging to Jesus and part of the one holy nation, the church, scattered all over the world, I too would like to remember those Christians who likewise have made the ultimate sacrifice. For Jesus and the gospel, and for the kingdom of God in Jesus many have sacrificed their very lives as martyrs for the faith and their fidelity to it. We need to remember such and pray for those who continue to suffer today.

In gratitude to God for his mercies to us in Jesus, we're to present our bodies to God as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to him, which is true worship. A living sacrifice. Meaning that each day our lives should be at God's disposal, given over to him gladly so that his will can be realized in and through them. For some of us in the world, this may mean severe persecution and death. To follow Jesus requires that we not shrink back from whatever that may involve. That we look to God and depend on the Spirit to help us in whatever we face.

What thoughts might you like to add to this?