Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone! Memorial Day was first celebrated in 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War. More than 620,000 people died in that war. The violence and anguish is unimaginable.
On this weekend, we remember and give thanks for all who have served our country to guard this "city" of America. We are especially thankful for the sacrificial nature of serving one's country, particularly in warfare. Our prayers, as people of faith, are always that God guard us from danger, evil and pain. The grace of being guarded by God is that we trust God's guarding as Jesus described it: that, like a mother hen, He loves us as children and always is seeking out the safety of all His people.
Today, our awareness of the grace of God is that God is seeking to guard the "city" of the world, not just our nation. Often, when we pray for God to bless our nation, we forget that that prayer also appears to require an un-blessing for those not in our nation. It is a prayer for God to be violent against those who are "enemies." Why would we ask for that? Why would we stop at only assuming that God sees us as the "un-enemy," but others as the "enemy?" It doesn't make sense. And, why would we think that God wants to let life include ongoing battles between perpetual enemies? Why would we not ask God to bless all nations the same and guard all nations so that dramatically less anguish and pain would be felt by those who had to sacrifice their lives in times of violence? God wants anything but violence and division for His people and the world He so joyfully created. He pours out His grace in Jesus to create a bridge of reconciliation and healing love between us and Him. This is the image of grace, God's freely flowing love to His world and people to renew it and them.
This weekend, thank you for your prayers for and words of thanksgiving for all who have guarded the "city" of our nation. But thank you, also, for that larger prayer that thanks God for all people around the world who have sacrificed for bringing about peace, not extending hatred and violence. May your life be so guarded by God's limitless grace that you see it also in all others and seek to guard that countenance about them with all your strength, joy and faith. Peace in Christ to you!
Thank you thank you.
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