Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Wisdom from Proverbs”
Our Bible verse for today: “… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
Our thought for today: “Remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Men in military units, especially combat military units, often refer to themselves as “a band of brothers.” That’s because they’re often closer to one another than even biological brothers. The reason is that they depend on each other for their lives. In the heat of combat you have to know that your brother has your back and that he will even give his life to save yours. That’s why John 15:13 tends to be a very popular and oft repeated verse of Scripture in combat military units, “Greater love has no on than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
Today is Memorial Day 2017. It’s the day we set aside each year to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in military service to our country. Please do not confuse it with Veteran’s Day. Veteran’s Day is in November and its purpose is to honor all those who have served our country in the armed forces. Memorial Day is just for those who have given their lives in the defense of our nation. Pause today to remember and honor them.
But then we must also recognize that when it comes to a “friend who sticks closer than a brother”, and one who will “lay down his life for his friends”, there is no one greater than Jesus Christ Himself. If you are a follower of His then He thinks of you like a brother or close blood relative, “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:35. He also thinks of you as His friend, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14. And, He willingly gave His life for you, “I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:15.
On this Memorial Day remember those who died so you can live in freedom in this lifetime, but also remember the One who died so you can live in freedom forever.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 