Each month a World Missions Committee writes a devotional to share with our missions family. The following devotional was written my Mr. Kevin Olson. Mr. Olson decided not to run for a second term on the World Missions Committee. His fellowship, wisdom and calculating insights will be greatly missed.
"So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD throughout your generations." - Exodus 12:14 NKJV
"For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us." - I Corinthians 5:7b NKJV
On the Friday before Memorial Day a young co-worker of mine casually referred to the holiday by saying that he wasn't sure what he was supposed to memorialize but was certainly glad we had the day off. His statement sort of took me by surprise. I guess I just took for granted that people knew what Memorial Day was all about. I mean, who would think to go around to everyone on the Friday before the long weekend and ask "OK, so you know what to do on Monday right?".
For me, the activities of Memorial Day have often included honoring the sacrifice of our veterans, visiting the grave sites of loved ones, getting together with family and, of course, welcoming in the summer.
It all seems so basic, how could anyone not know?
The same is true for the message of Christ's sacrifice - people may have heard about it but have not had a "first-hand account" from a Christian. The simple message of Law and Gospel, that we so often take for granted, even goes unheard in some places. The beautiful redemption accomplished during the Passover, and how it points to our own redemption, needs to be passed on through the generations. Jesus has given us much more than a series of historical events to be memorialized, He has worked in us life-giving faith and a testimony that can be shared.
You may not realize this but you have shared your testimony with me for these past 5 years. Your consistent focus on the Spirit working through the Word for the salvation of the lost and the strengthening of the believer has been an encouragement to me. You may feel like you are 'going though the motions' at times but take heart, it is God who is at work within you - His work is having an effect, that is what He promised.
Well, Memorial Day came and went - with one more person now knowing a bit more about why we get that day off in May. Thank you for testifying to those around you about Jesus - not a mere 'memorial' to be observed but a Savior who cares for us each day.
