May 26, 2002
Memorial Day
1All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. 2And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. 3And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. 4Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. 5Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. 6Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
7For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; 8A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; 9A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.
10When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. 11Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: 12Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; 13And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; 14Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; 16Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; 17And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. 19And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. 20As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 8:1-20 (KJV)
Memorial Day is sometimes called Decoration Day. It is one of many celebrations in honor of our country’s history - in particular, the day we commemorate the valor and sacrifice of those who have died on the battlefield defending our freedom.
"On Memorial Day, people place flowers and flags on the graves of military personnel. Many organizations, including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and fraternal groups, march in military parades and take part in special programs….Memorials are often dedicated on this day. Military exercises and special programs are held at Gettysburg National Military Park and at the National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia….Since the end of World War I, Memorial Day has also been Poppy Day. Volunteers sell small, red artificial poppies in order to help disabled veterans. In recent years, the custom has grown in most families to decorate the graves of loved ones on Memorial Day." *1
How many of America’s bravest have died in gaining and protecting our free way of life? According to the Veteran’s Administration,
650,954 *2
- is the number of American service members killed on the battlefield since this nation declared independence nearly 226 years ago. You might understandably ask why so many have been willing to be in harm’s way down to the ultimate sacrifice. What is so important, so vital about America to evoke such patriotism, such loyalty? What makes us even remember? What is the cost of so great a concept as our freedom?
For an answer that helps us remember, let us turn to the story of another nation - one like our own. It is the story of a nation coming out of an oppressive bondage to seek freedom and their own land.
Two thousand years before the birth of Jesus Christ, the descendants of Abraham were living in Egypt. Abraham had been promised they would have Canaan, the land we now know as Israel. However, the king of Egypt, Pharaoh, managed to enslave Abraham’s people. For four hundred years, Israel served Egypt as slaves. Then came Moses!
God’s people were released into the Sinai desert, bound for the Promised Land. There was a forty-year detour in that desert, as the disobedient children were disciplined to learn how to better follow the God they said they wanted to serve.
When finally it was time to go into the land, occupying it as the nation of God, Moses gathered all the families together and gave them God’s charge that they remember - 18But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God:
This one sentence gives us insight into why Americans have been giving their lives on battlefields for more than two centuries. Some died unwillingly, conscripts who served only because they had no choice. Some died accidentally, absent of any so-called heroic or higher motive. However, an overwhelming majority died valiantly, willing to pay the ultimate price for a principle. That principle is freedom!
As a nation we have been committed to guaranteeing a free society. As a nation we have discovered that no freedom comes at a cheap price. Our spiritual freedom cost God the blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus. In this nation our forefathers carried out that principle. As the hymn has it, As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free.(3) Americans take freedom seriously!
As a nation we have also discovered that we are likely to forget all of that if we do not take pains to frequently remember the cost. Hence Memorial Day; wherefore we take the time this morning to understand the REASONS WHY we remember…
I. Our Freedom Was a Costly Gift
God’s gift of freedom (spiritual or national) is always costly. In the case of Israel, God wanted their remembering to cause a few things. He wanted it to cause thankfulness. It was God who led Israel through the wilderness of Sinai, feeding them with manna all the way. It was God who kept their shoes and garments from wearing out for the whole forty years of detour. It was God who protected and kept them free from the Egyptian storm troopers that pursued them into the desert. Thankfulness for that kind of Providence should be a "no-brainer".
The same principle applies to Christians and the cross. Jesus Christ came to die for our sins - He took our wilderness and our detour. Many people will privately recognize Jesus, but will never publicly express their thankfulness for a saved soul. What a costly gift.
If someone gave you a Rembrandt, or a Mercedes, or a house in an upscale gated community you would thank them from the rooftops - you’d take out a front page on the Times. What do you do for a soul saved for all eternity from sin and Hell?
God wanted more than thankfulness, He wanted obedience.
6Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
Deuteronomy 8:6 (KJV)
Why did God cause Israel to wander for forty years? Was it just for punishment? No, He knew they were in for a difficult time of adjusting to life as His people. He knew if they failed at the simplest things like trusting Him for small things like food and shelter, they would never accomplish the larger victories which required strong faith. God was training them for a tough assignment.
Have you served in the military? If you’ve been through "boot camp" you know they put you through endless repetitions of seemingly meaningless tasks. I have a revelation for you - they are totally meaningless! They are totally meaningless IF you don’t care about staying alive on the battlefield. Obedience is learned by surrendering your will to the will of the commander. That is necessary on the battlefield - immediate compliance to orders can mean the difference between victory and utter defeat. It can mean life or death.
It is that way in the Christian life. You begin the new birth, life in Jesus by surrendering YOU to HIM. We have an assignment as a church, as believers to win the world for Jesus Christ. Is that a job for disobedient saints? Without obedience to Christ we waste this costly gift of God’s Son dying for us on the cross. God wants thankfulness and obedience. That’s why we remember!
II. Our Freedom Was a Priceless Gift
God always gives the best. There was a commercial on TV about giving diamonds to your mate. The end line said something like, when you care about giving the very best. That’s what God did. How often the Scripture tells us just how priceless:
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23 (KJV)
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:13 (KJV)
In the case of Israel coming out of Egypt and heading for the Promised Land it was more than the land - it was the promise of God’s continual blessing, forever! That’s priceless! God had established a covenant with Abraham that guaranteed his lineage would number as the grains of sand on the sea shore. That’s priceless!
In the case of Calvary’s cross, Jesus’ death, then burial and resurrection guarantee He will never leave or forsake us. When this life is done He will take us to heaven for an eternity of joy around the throne of God. How priceless is that?
We honor our service persons who have given the last full measure. I tell you, beloved, as an American, that is warming to my heart; as a Christian I know there is no measure to comprehend the grace of God in providing us that free gift of His dear Son, Jesus Christ.
His gift of freedom - costly, priceless, and therefore…
III. Our Gift of Freedom Must Be Used Well
On Memorial Day weekend our thoughts go to the families who have lost loved ones in the wars. We also attempt to teach the significance of the sacrifice of others who have gone before. Why? We teach so that future generations do not become arrogant, and come under judgment.
We are so prone - and it is so easy - to forget that America is a journey, not an owned residence. The moment we sense all should be at ease in Zion, America, land of the free, can be wrenched away by a letter laced with Anthrax, or a hi-jacked 757 jet pointed at our Trade Center.
More than ever we need to use our freedom well. Today’s children are told to expect their rights - to look to the likes of MTV stars who glorify hatred and self-promotion, professional athletes who can’t put two sentences together without profanity or an actual thought worth printing, or to Hollywood’s elite for qualities to emulate. Rich, pampered and spoiled - THESE ARE OUR ROLE MODELS?
On the other hand, literate, clear-thinking, right living Christian leaders are ridiculed. Teachers are emasculated and handcuffed as educators. Many kids make more than the teachers by selling drugs or worse.
What are we inviting with this upside-down mentality? We are inviting the judgment of God, as we teach the children they have no responsibility - they are entitled to everything - they owe nothing to God or anyone. If this parallel with Israel holds for America, read with me what’s in store:
11Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
Deuteronomy 8:11 (KJV)
17And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.
Deuteronomy 8:17 (KJV)
19And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. 20As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 8:19 - 20 (KJV)
We say we must remember, never forget; but it is not so. "This was recently demonstrated by Tonight Show host Jay Leno. Leno frequently does man-on-the street interviews, and one night he collared some young people to ask them questions about the Bible. Can you name one of the Ten Commandments? he asked two college-age women. One replied, Freedom of speech? Mr. Leno said to the other, Complete this sentence: Let he who is without sin... Her response was, have a good time? Mr. Leno then turned to a young man and asked, Who, according to the Bible, was eaten by a whale? The confident answer was, Pinocchio. (4)
Forgetting brings judgment. In the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew’s devastation, as [Billy Graham’s’] grandson, Stephan Nelson, was working night and day helping the survivors to get water and food, he noticed a sign on the roof of one house which read: "Okay, God. You’ve got our attention. Now what?" (5)
If forgetting brings judgment, the opposite is true:
Remembering brings blessing!
If we expect God to bless us it will mean this nation (starting with each person in this room) getting serious about using this gift of freedom well. We must teach our children what the last measure of sacrifice meant for those who died on battlefields, and for those who lived lives of sacrificial service to their fellow-man.
We must teach our children well what the last measure of sacrifice on the cross meant - and how we all really do owe someone something - we owe God the right use of this freedom, not to bless our bank accounts, or our personal sense of satisfaction - we owe our service, our allegiance, our very lives if required, to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
We can stop asking, What’s in it for me? We can begin remembering to ask, What can I contribute?
IV. Steps To Reclaim Our National Memory
What can we do to reclaim the national "rememberer"? A pastor told about two elderly women in church were discussing the problems of growing older.
One commented, "The worst thing is when your memory starts to go. I’ve known you all my life, and I can’t think of your name. What is it?"
The second lady thought for a moment and said, "Do you need an answer right now?" (6)
We need an answer RIGHT now
I want to suggest three actions we can take - every one of us - to begin to reclaim the memory of from where our freedom came, and what it means we must do and be.
First, we need to forget about hoping and praying for some Good ol’ days to return. The best day is not the past. As one author put it, You can’t turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again.(7)
The best day is not tomorrow either; you never live in tomorrow - only waste today anticipating. The very best is today - this is what God gave you. The answer, when God asks the question, must always be offered right now!
Second, we need to repent of our forgetting. We have not made America great; nor did Thomas Jefferson or George Washington. God used the brokenness of such as you and me in past times - people who understood all comes from God - to build this great country to be the missionary force and bread basket to the world. You heard about the mouse that was pals with an elephant. One day they walked across a rickety old bridge together. On the other side they looked back to see the old bridge swaying and then crumble as it fell to the bottom of the ravine. Wow, said the mouse, Look what WE did!
We need to repent of thinking we can do anything apart from God. That’s thinking grace does not exist. Grace is when God does it all, such as at the cross. Jesus died for our sins - and He did it, the Bible says, all alone.
Third, we need to rebuild family altars and sacrifice the flesh there every single day.
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
Sacrificing the flesh has nothing to do with animals on an altar. It has everything to do with every day surrendering to the will of the Father for the sake of the Kingdom. It means we live like Christians, because we don’t know what God is up to, but we trust that He is preparing all things well.
In his book, I Almost Missed the Sunset(8), Bill Gaither writes:
Gloria and I had been married a couple of years. We were teaching school in Alexandria, Indiana, where I had grown up, and we wanted a piece of land where we could build a house. I noticed the parcel south of town where cattle grazed, and I learned it belonged to a 92-year-old retired banker named Mr. Yule. He owned a lot of land in the area, and the word was he would sell none of it. He gave the same speech to everyone who inquired: "I promised the farmers they could use it for their cattle."
Gloria and I visited him at the bank. Although he was retired, he spent a couple of hours each morning in his office. He looked at us over the top of his bifocals.
I introduced myself and told him we were interested in a piece of his land. "Not selling," he said pleasantly. "Promised it to a farmer for grazing."
"I know, but we teach school here and thought maybe you’d be interested in selling it to someone planning to settle in the area."
He pursed his lips and stared at me. "What’d you say your name was?"
"Gaither. Bill Gaither."
"Hmmm. Any relation to Grover Gaither?"
"Yes, Sir. He was my granddad."
Mr. Yule put down his paper and removed his glasses. "Interesting. Grover Gaither was the best worker I ever had on my farm. Full day’s work for a day’s pay. So honest. What’d you say you wanted?"
I told him again.
"Let me do some thinking on it, then come back and see me."
I came back within the week, and Mr. Yule told me he had had the property appraised. I held my breath. "How does $3,800 sound? Would that be okay?"
If that was per acre, I would have to come up with nearly $60,000! "$3,800?" I repeated.
"Yup. Fifteen acres for $3,800."
I knew it had to be worth at least three times that. I readily accepted.
Nearly three decades later, my son and I strolled that beautiful, lush property that had once been pasture land. "Benjy," I said, "you’ve had this wonderful place to grow up through nothing that you’ve done, but because of the good name of a great-granddad you never met."
There are generations coming after us who don’t yet know - don’t have a clue - what freedom costs, how priceless a gift it is, and how important it is to use it well. None of us can afford the luxury of spreading trash on those grounds. That which we do today -
such as committing our lives to Jesus,
being faithful with our tithes and offerings,
purchasing the new land for buildings we may never build,
living a clean and pure life for Jesus,
sharing our faith every day -
All of it is for the future, for the ones who will need to know when we’re gone what it is like to live free.
It is called passing along the faith, the freedom, the gift. It’s why we remember!
FOOTNOTES
1. Sharon G. Uhler, “Memorial Day,” World Book Online Americas Edition, http//www.aolsvc.worldbook.aol.com/wbol/wbPage/na/ar/co/354800, May 21, 2002
2. "America’s Wars: Casualties and Veterans." Infoplease.com. © 2002 Learning Network. 21 May. 2002
3. Julia Ward Howe, Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory, The Baptist Hymnal, (Convention Press, Nashville, 1975) 511
4. Christina Hoff Summers. From the files of Leadership. Dt 8:3;
5. Billy Graham in Storm Warning. Christianity Today, Vol. 37, no. 5.
6. Jacqueline J. Warner, Florence, Kentucky, Christian Reader, "Lite Fare."
7. Bonnie Prudden, Draper’s Book of Quotations for the Christian World (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1992).
8. Fresh Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching (Baker), from the editors of Leadership.
