A Memorial Day Reflection

 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing”. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Today, this nation is celebrating Memorial Day. It is the one day that this nation pauses to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to defend this nation. It is a time when we honor the real heroes of our nation.

Every conflict we’ve ever been involved in has had its share of casualties of both sons and daughters lost, often due to the unusual bravery they displayed during combat. Every once in a while, during those conflicts, something happens, a soldier does something, which is so out-of-the-ordinary that Congress acknowledges that person’s efforts by awarding them the Medal of Honor. This award is presented to someone who distinguishes himself by gallantry at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. The deed performed must have been self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life. More often than not, these individuals sacrifice themselves for the greater good of others.

In the concluding verses of Paul's epistle to Timothy, the apostle found himself incarcerated in Rome. Aware that his life was drawing to a close and his execution imminent, he chose not to lament to God but to praise and honor Him instead. The reason for his praise? He could declare with confidence that he had remained true to his mission. This conviction allowed him to meet death with serenity, assured of the reward Christ had for him. While earthly accolades like the Congressional Medal of Honor were not his to claim, he anticipated receiving the "crown of righteousness" from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Today, I ask you: do you hold the same conviction and anticipation as Paul to encounter Christ? The encouraging news is that the "crown of righteousness" is bestowed not only upon the stalwarts of faith like Paul but also upon all who faithfully wait for the Lord's return. Venture to trust Him. Venture to surrender control of your life to Him. It's a leap of faith, it's daunting, yet it's more extraordinary than we can envision. God extends His grace to us so that we may be inspired to exalt, love, trust, and serve Him. He fulfills our needs so that we may grasp the magnitude of His love and eagerly direct others to Jesus while we zealously strive to honor Him with our lives. And, in the manner of the apostle Paul, we too can declare, "I have fought the good fight, I have completed the race, I have preserved the faith." Would you remain steadfast until the end of your life?

May the Lord bless you and keep you always.

Pastor Dimas