The following is a rough copy of the message I gave at the Memorial Day service. It is not word-for-word. I am certain that I said more (and hopefully better) at the cemetery. Either way, here is the gist.
It is a poignant moment standing in
a cemetery on Memorial Day, remembering those who died that we might be
free. Earlier we heard stories of a
couple such soldiers who gave their lives in service of their country.
Standing here, in this context and
on this day, death and life are in stark contrast. We the living think back and recall what the
dead have done; some remembering friends who didn’t make it, who gave their
all. It is a stark contrast.
For me, this moment brings to mind
a passage from Deuteronomy 30. Moses
knew that he was about to die and he spoke these words to the Israelites. “I call heaven and earth to witness against
you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse.
Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD
your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and
length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD [is giving
you]. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ESV)
In a way, heaven and earth
testifies against us today. We stand in
a cemetery surrounded by the dead and we are reminded of Romans 6 which tells
us that the wages of sin is death. We
hear stories of men and women who gave their lives. Why was that necessary? It was because there was evil in the world
that had to be faced. They used their
strength, gave their lives that we might live.
This is testimony that all is not right in the world. There is brokenness.
The call that Moses put before
Israel and puts before us is to choose life.
To use the lives we have been given in service of our neighbor. The (American Legion) Commander reminded us
earlier that Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down
his life for his friend.” Jesus, Himself
did this for us, when He died to pay for sins and give us forgiveness and new
life in His resurrection.
Friends, I urge you today to choose
life; to use your strength to serve others.
Honor the memory of the fallen by living. Choose life.
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