Maineville Lighthouse Church

 

I was thinking…Pastor Steve

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“There Israel’s troops were routed by David’s men, and the casualties

that day were great—twenty thousand men.” 

2 Samuel 18:7  (NIV)

 

          It seems to me that the soldiers who followed King David were usually called "David's men."  Many times, they are known as "mighty warriors."  There are amazing things written about them, tremendous feats of courage, strength, and victories.  But, in the records of history, they will always be known as "David's Men."

 

          People my age think of the Greatest Generation, the ones who lived through the Great Depression, fought a World War, and settled in to create a great economy and country.  They are great because of the tremendous adversity they overcame.  There is no doubt about it.  I have talked to many of that generation, and they're humble about all that was accomplished in their lifetime.  Yet, they know that they have seen the whole world change in that lifetime.  They have seen life at its worst and best.  And, sometimes, they wonder what is being left for their children and their children's children.

 

          Often times, we overlook those who have come after them.  However, think of those men and women who bled and died in Korea, Viet Nam, El Salvador, Beirut, Grenada, Panama, Operation Provide Comfort, Somalia Intervention, Bosnia, NATO Air Campaign Yugoslavia, and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan and Iraq).  You probably haven't thought about many of them; that's why I bring them up.  And I want to remember those men and women who will sacrifice themselves in service for our country each and every day.

 

          According to History.com, on May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month.  He made this proclamation, “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.”

 

          I know that many of you, like my family, take Memorial Day to honor your family members who have passed from this life into Glory, and that's okay.  Those are cherished memories we need to recall. We need to tell the next generation who they were and what they did in their lives.  It doesn't matter if they were doctors, nurses, engineers, presidents, or teachers.  Each of them has a story, and they need to be told.  However, Memorial Day for me will always be about those who died in service to our country.

 

          There is also One who we should remember above all, Jesus.  It is by His sacrifice that we are given an assurance of seeing those we love again, those who have died in the saving Grace of Christ.  Those who have passed in service to our country, we honor and pray that they all knew Jesus as their Lord.  The same for our family members.  Until we meet them once again, may we keep their stories in the minds of those who need to hear them.  And may our lives reflect the image of Christ and serve others selflessly, sacrificially, and steadfastly.  To God be the Glory!  Have a wonderful Memorial Day and, also, Mother's Day (we really love our Moms!).  God bless.

 

          (As I'm writing this, I'm not sure when the church will be fully opened.  Should we have the opportunity, we'll open as soon as possible.  If you feel uncertain, then by all means, wait until you are ready.  We have truly appreciated your faithfulness in your offerings while we have been closed.)

 

Memorial Day, History.com Editors.  HISTORY.  https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history.  A&E Television Networks.  October 27, 2009.