Memorial Day

By

Shelby G. Floyd

May 23, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Both during and after the Civil War, the graves of the solders on both sides were decorated to honor those who had died in the bloody conflict.

 

     General John Logan officially proclaimed May 5, 1868, as Memorial Day. Originally, this day was also called Decoration Day. It was first officially observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery.

 

     Today, this memorial is observed each year on the last Monday of May. It is good to honor those who have loved their country by giving their life blood—the supreme sacrifice:

 

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

                   —Moina Michael 

 

     Christian people also have a Memorial Day in honor of Christ Jesus, who shed his blood for the remission of our sins. Jesus set up his own commemorative supper before his death,

 

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:26-30 NIV).

 

     In the New Testament, this memorial feast is referred to as “the Lord’s Supper,” “communion,” and “the breaking of bread.” It is never referred to as “the Eucharist,” or “the Sacrament.” It is best to speak of Bible institutions in Bible language: “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God….” (1 Peter 4:11).

 

     The New Testament church was in the habit of assembling every first day of the week for worship, which included the Lord’s Supper. They were devoted to observing their “Memorial Day” every Sunday: “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42). The early Christians were often called “devotees,” because of their faithful observance of this memorial of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

 

     In Acts of Apostles we have a window into the worship of the New Testament church. “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.” (Acts 20:7). The infinitive phrase “to break bread,” is the purpose clause revealing to us why they came to together—to observe the Lord’s Day Memorial.

 

     Many of our fellow citizens will hardly give a thought this Memorial Day of those that have died that we might live and be free from tyranny. Also it seems incredible that some fellow-Christians will not “show up” for many weeks to remember Christ’s sacrifice. The apostle Paul advises: For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26).  Let us be faithful in this memorial feast every Sunday!