A Memorial Gift

There will be no newsletter on Memorial Day thus we are providing you with two offering talks.

This weekend is Memorial Day. The sad thing about many of our holidays is that we have forgotten why they exist. Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday of May, was first started to commemorate fallen Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20^th century, it had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. It developed from there into a day for general expressions of memory for deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not. So, the day is supposed to be remembering and honoring those who have gone before us.

A few years ago, the Christian singer Steve Green sang a popular song entitled Find Us Faithful. That song says, “We’re pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road. And those who’ve gone before us line the way, cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary, their lives a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace. Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us run the race not only for the prize but as those who’ve gone before us. Let us leave to those behind us. The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives.”

The song is based upon Hebrews 12:1, which says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Think about where we would be without those that have paid the price for our freedom. We owe so much to so many. We should take time out to remember their sacrifice. We should memorialize those who served our nation and family members who served us.

Many times, we give a memorial gift in honor of someone. You may have noticed plaques in churches where pews or windows were given in the memory of someone. The focus of our giving should always be to be obedient to the Lord. Yet, this morning, as we approach our time of offering, wouldn’t it be special if our gifts were given a memorial statement of gratitude for those who have invested so much for us? As our ushers come forward for our offering, let’s give gifts that would honor those that have gone before us.