We Remember

Memorial Day is a powerful reminder. A sacred pause to remember those who have sacrificed everything on behalf of others. Deep within us, there is something instinctive, something honorable, that stirs when we think about those who have made the decision to serve, knowing full well that the possibility of death lies before them. And yet, they choose to serve anyway.

They are drawn to something greater. Drawn to the servant-hearted call of protecting a cause larger than themselves. For them, the possibility of ultimate sacrifice is not something to be avoided. It’s a price they consider worth paying.

I am supremely grateful to the men and women who have made that decision. Today, I’m praying for them, and for the families and friends left behind. Because their sacrifice echoes far beyond the battlefield. It lingers in the lives of loved ones, in empty seats at the dinner table, in quiet tears and proud memories. To all who carry that weight: thank you.

On this Memorial Day, I cannot help but reflect on how the brave lives we honor also mirror the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross.

While the men and women we remember today gave their lives to protect us physically, Jesus gave His life to protect and redeem us spiritually for all eternity. He came not as a conquering king, but as a humble servant. He took on our nature. He bore our sin. He paid the ultimate price so that we might be forgiven and brought back into relationship with the Father.

Let’s read these powerful words from Philippians 2:5–11 together:

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
— Philippians 2:5–11

Jesus humbled Himself.
He served.
He sacrificed.
And because of that, He is exalted forever.

Today, we honor those who have sacrificed for us in a lesser but still sacred way.
They too humbled themselves.
They served.
They sacrificed.
And they deserve to be held in a place of honor and deep esteem.

Their actions reflect some of the very same qualities our Lord Jesus Christ displayed. Today we remember the fallen, and we lift up the families who carry their legacy.

And above all, we stay focused on the hope and glory of Jesus Christ. Because of His sacrifice, we can be confident in where the men and women we honor today have had the opportunity to go: Home. With our Lord. In perfect peace and love.

Let us pray today not only for those who grieve, but for the living—that many would come to know this hope, this Savior, this love. So that one day, when our names are remembered here on earth, our souls might be rejoicing together in Heaven.

-Mark