Ponder: Memorial Day
Scripture: “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Lk. 22:19, NKJV).
Jack Gilbert grew up on a farm north of my hometown of Limon, Colorado. He was six years older than I, but I don’t think we ever met. Jack was a Marine and was killed in action in Viet Nam on April 4, 1966, at age 19. He was unmarried and had no children. A Facebook friend once commented that countless young men have been killed before having any opportunity to become fathers, but their sacrifice made it possible for men like me to become fathers and grandfathers.
In 1990 I was privileged to find Jack Gilbert’s name on the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, D.C. I made a rubbing of his name with a pencil and paper and sent it to his mother.
I remember the shameful way that returning Viet Nam veterans were treated. It marked a profound lack of thankfulness for the men and women who did their country’s bidding, whatever one’s opinion was of the country’s involvement in that war. God warns us about unthankfulness in 2Timothy 3:2, listing it among the many indicators of “perilous times.” Today current or former member of the military are likely to hear, “Thank you for your service.” But let’s not allow that to become a hollow, meaningless saying. Let’s be sincerely thankful for those who gave their very lives as well as for all the others who have served or are currently serving. They deserve our gratitude and respect.
Infinitely greater should be our thankfulness as we remember how Jesus died for our sins at Calvary. On the first day of each week the Lord’s Supper reminds us of the shameful treatment He endured in His sacrificial suffering and death. People tend to forget. God graciously gave us a weekly reminder. Let us avail ourselves of this opportunity to renew our thankfulness as we honor our Lord!
Hymn: “When We Meet In Sweet Communion”
Prayer: Father, may we always remember our Savior who bled and died for us. In His name, Amen.
–Joe Slater
