MEMORIAL DAY 2008                               

"....it is appointed unto men once to die. Heb. 9:27, And this day shall be unto you for a memorial. Ex. 12:14    

Today is Memorial Day when we pause to honor the cherished memory of our loved ones gone before. If there is anything that this day underscores, it is the truth that all men take one common path to the grave. Rich and poor, great and small, young and old, all have a final appointment to keep with death.    

The Nation of Israel had a Memorial Day too, but what a contrast it offered to the one we celebrate. We remember the dead, but they commemorated deliverance from death through the blood. God, as you may recall, had commanded Israel to take the blood of the paschal lamb and strike it upon the upper part of the two sideposts of the doors of their homes. When the destroying Angel of Death came to slay the Egyptians, he saw the sign of grace and passed over those protected by the crimson stain. This was also a forward sign to the blessed "Lamb of God" who would someday actually take away the sin of the world through His sacrificial death upon the cross.    

As we viewed the decorated graves today, we remember the precious promise of the Redeemer who said: "And this is the will of Him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day" John 6:40. This bright hope of life and Heaven makes our "final appointment" a time of victory and glory. What a comfort to know that our redemption will be crowned with a "memorable" resurrection day!    

Christians friends, We sorrow not as others do, whose hopes fade like the flowers; there is a hope that's born of God, and such a hope is ours.  

PRAY - Almighty God, ruler of individuals and nations, I thank You for all the blessings You have given our nation. Make me grateful and humble as I remember all who have sacrificed their lives to preserve our freedoms. Preserve and protect our country in these dangerous times. Guide and direct our leaders to govern justly and lead the citizens to live together in unity and peace. God bless our country! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen    

While there are no official lyrics to the hauntingly familiar strains of "Taps," here is a commonly accepted version of one verse:

Day is done,  gone the sun,                                                                                             From the hills,  from the lake,  from the sky;                                                       All is well, safely rest,  God is nigh.