Ronald Reagan, in his inaugural speech as governor of California on January 5, 1967, said, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." (blogs.e-rockford.com)
Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends" (John 15:13). From the beginning of our existence as a nation men have laid down their lives for our freedom, living and dying by this verse. The ultimate example of course being the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. By His death on the cross we receive our ultimate freedom, freedom from the eternal consequences of sin. And all because in Christ we are forgiven—the penalty paid!
Today is a day for remembering those who laid down their lives for us, their friends. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic and it was first observed a few weeks later on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The South, however, refused to acknowledge that day until after World War I when the holiday was changed from honoring just those who died during the War between the States to honoring all Americans who died while fighting in any war. (sermons2liveby.com)
The best way to honor the men and women who died for us is to follow the three mandates of Hebrews 12:1-3. Because "we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses" (v. 1a)... what witnesses? Most likely believers who have passed away and gone on before us to be an encouragement to us. It is not that they are sitting in some heavenly grandstand up in the clouds watching us; they are witnesses to the truth. They are examples of those who did what we must do—lay aside every hindrance to our daily walk with Christ.
We are to "lay aside every weight" or "every encumbrance" (v. 1b, NASB). A "weight" or "encumbrance" is simply a bulk or mass of something. It is not necessarily bad in itself. It can be perfectly innocent and harmless. But it weighs us down, diverts our attention, saps our energy, and dampens our enthusiasm for the things of God. (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Matthew 1-7)
We are also to "lay aside…the sin which so easily ensnares us" (v. 1c). This is a call to action. We are to strip off every weight that slows us down. Jesus said, "If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell" (Matthew 5:29-30). He is talking about getting rid of everything that hinders us from faithfully walking with God.
The key phrase of this passage is "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (v. 1d). Speaking to those who have professed Christ as Savior but have not gone all the way to fully walking with Him, the writer of Hebrews says, "Get in the race and begin living for Christ." To those who are already running, he says, "Do not give up! Run the race of your life in Christ with endurance."
So what will strengthen us to remain faithful when tempted to quit and give in to the pressures of the world around us? It is the thought of "Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself" (v. 3a). "Consider Him…lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls" (v. 3b). Don’t be discouraged. Remember Jesus and run with endurance the life of faith that is before you.
Run the race of a life of faith by "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (v. 2a). Remember, it was "for the joy that was set before Him," the joy of saving you, that He "endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (v. 2b). Keep your eyes on Him, and you will do well.
Hebrews 11 lists a number of heroes who lived and died courageously "by faith." Near the end of the chapter, the list makes a change from names of individuals to groups of believers whose experiences ranged from miraculous deliverance to torture and even death, because they refused to compromise their faith in God.
They remind us that the spiritual battle is not over. As we recall every sacrifice made on our behalf and every example of spiritual courage, let's determine to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and join the parade of faithful veterans of the faith.
Never forget that others have died so that we might live. But as you remember those who have gone before and think about the sacrifice they made, think also about our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave His life—our ransom, fully paid. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment