I am forced to admit that each time I read the final words of the thief on the cross (Luke 23.42), my eyes well up in tears. Here is a plea for one to live on at least in someone's memory when no such existence is deserved. It is a plea that should touch every heart and before God be uttered by every heart. "Remember me" is one of the most human phrases in our language.
Memorial Day has become one of three days in our American calendars on which we remember those who "gave the last full measure of devotion". As others have said, we need to remember that all gave some and some gave all so that we can enjoy freedom as few people on earth do or ever have. We repeat this call to remember on Independence Day in July and again on Veterans' Day in November. As one who can look back through his ancestry and see the record of family members who fought in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War (both Blue and Gray!), World War II, and in the Viet Nam conflict, I can with a certain measure of pride say that these have done what they felt was right for their country/state for well over 300 years.
At the same time I look at the calendars of our churches and the celebrations of remembrance by their members, and I see little that reflects any recall of the heroes of our faith, the martyrs who have watered the tree of divine, sacrificial love with their own blood. The Voice of the Martyrs (persecution.com) estimates 150,000 to 175,000 believers lose their lives each year because they carry the label of Christian. In most publicized cases this occurs in areas of northern Africa, the Middle East, and southern Asia. Yet it also occurs in many other nations where a Christian influence is seen as a threat to the reigning powers.
The second Sunday of November is set aside as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Let our society remember those who paid the greatest price to maintain the freedom of our country. Let us as individuals remember with words of comfort and deeds of support those families whose brave soldiers will live on only in their memory. Let us also take time to remember those who lay down their lives standing for the Kingdom of God. Jim Elliot's (martyred missionary in South America) words are wise for all, "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
