As we take a special day to remember and honor those who have and are still serving our country in the armed forces, let's ask ourselves, "What is a memorial?" Is it a monument or a museum? Is it a special gathering, with speeches, music, prayers, or a moment of silence? A memorial is something that preserves the memory of something honorable or important. We have two stories, in the New Testament that speak of memorials. Some things that people have said or done are not to be forgotten.

The woman who anointed the head of Jesus - Matthew 26:1-13; Mark 14:1-9

While others criticized her, accusing her of waste, Jesus defended and honored her. Others, who were insensitive to the situation, were told that this was an honorable deed. Jesus said that, wherever the Gospel is preached, "what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." Other translations say "what she has done will be told in memory of her" or "this woman's deed shall be remembered and discussed." Men were to honor her by including her story along with the Gospel. What a high honor!

The man who feared God and devoted his life to prayer and giving to the poor - Acts 10:1-6

Cornelius was not a Jew, but he was seeking God. He attempted to worship, honor, and serve God according to his understanding. God blessed Cornelius by sending an angelic messenger who would direct him to Peter. Peter, through the gospel of Christ, would guide Cornelius to a true and saving relationship with God (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). For the whole story, read all of Acts 10. Our point in this study is to notice Acts 10:4. His devotion and sincere seeking of the Lord was noticed by God and received as a memorial. God responded by showing grace to Cornelius. Acts of devotion do not save us. However, those, who truly are seeking the Lord, have the promises of God - that more grace will be given. By God's grace, they can receive the Gospel, which will show them the way of salvation. See Psalm 50:23; 145:18-19; Isaiah 55:6-11; Matthew 7:7; John 4:23-24; James 4:6 cp. Romans 2:4-11.

So, here we have God himself declaring a memorial to someone's behavior. God noticed the things that Cornelius prayed. God noticed what things Cornelius dedicated to God's honor. God noticed kindness and generosity to others - which was done in humble reverence to God.

What does this have to do with Memorial Day in our country?

For some, Memorial Day is a day off from work - a day for family picnics, pleasure, or cleaning out the garage. Others will attend memorial services with gracious words, prayers, music and ceremonies. Others, yet, might watch war movies, read war books, and talk with friends about facts, memories, and nostalgia. If you ever get a chance to go to Arlington cemetery, don't just take a bus tour through it. Go out and walk through it. Spend time. Sit there for a good long while. It is overwhelming to contemplate the amount of people who have given their lives in service to their country. Freedom isn't free. It has cost many people their lives to provide such a life that we are able to enjoy. Do we enjoy it? Do we make use of our freedoms? Are we doing anything to preserve those freedoms for our future generations? Complaining and griping doesn't count!

From our two Bible stories we have learned that a memorial is something that makes people remember important things that have been said and done; things that were dedicated to a higher cause; sacrifices that were made. Do you ever thank a soldier or a veteran? Do we understand and help others to understand what freedoms are being protected by others? What would life be like if they had not given and sacrificed?

Note Lincoln's words (Gettysburg address):
"…It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth."

Does God have any Memorial Days? - Hebrews 6:10
Our two Bible stories indicate "yes." Do we honor the Father? Do we honor His Son? Will God remember our devotion to Him? Here, are promises for those who do:

• John 5:21-24; I John 2:15-24.
• Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 12:8-9.
• Matthew 10:41-42; Mark 9:41-42.
• Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30.
• Revelation 2:7, 10-11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21.
• Revelation 14:13; 22:12

God remembers and rewards in this life, but Scripture points to a future Memorial Day for the faithful and for the unfaithful: I Corinthians 3:10-15; II Corinthians 5:8-10. II Corinthians 5:11 points us to the "terror of the Lord" towards those who do not believe, described in Revelation 20:11-15.