Celebrate and Remember
A devotional as we celebrate the Fourth of July as a nation and look forward to the future.
SCRIPTURE:
But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” —Luke 15:32—
THOUGHT:
I can’t think of a better time to be celebrating our country’s birthday. True, it is a very tumultuous time, to say the very least. A worldwide pandemic that is not getting better anytime soon, a new and hopefully lasting look at police violence, the “Black Lives Matter” movement, and the list goes on and on. We may not be able to go to picnics or see fireworks or a parade or have BBQs for the whole family. Yet, this can be a very special day to celebrate in more reflective ways.
Recently I received some pictures of my father given to me by a long distance relative. I had almost no pictures of my father so these were a welcome and eye-opening surprise. They range from my Dad as a toddler until young adulthood. I had never seen any of these pictures and the tears were flowing at this gift that touched my heart and mind. I always knew my Dad had been in the Navy during WWII, but I had no idea that he served on a submarine off the coast of Japan and “saw action” as they say. I didn’t realize he was so young when he enlisted. The picture shows him in his Naval whites (at the tender age of “just” 18) and the funny white cap looking like a scared young kid, doubtless a little apprehensive about what lie ahead. Dad NEVER spoke about the war and would refuse to continue any conversation that was brought up for information. My husband’s father was also involved in the war as an officer. He also refused to even give a moment of discussion to what he saw during that horrible time. We discovered much later that he was in charge of clearing the trains in Europe that had quickly been abandoned by the German army. Unfortunately, those trains were proof of the atrocities committed against Jews and those who helped them. I can completely understand why he never would talk about the experience. It was just too painful. War is painful.
So, on our country’s birthday, let’s recognize the men and women who served their country bravely. They have memories of a horrible time gone, but those memories serve as stepping stones to a brighter future for our citizens. It is because of their efforts that we can continue to exercise freedom in our own lives. Their efforts are the foundation of all great things to come!
During this time of celebration though, let us also remember the issues that are still with us. Let’s not forget that we have “work” to do. Not everyone in this country is free. The specifics are not vital to this discourse. Yet, all you have to do is look around……and think…..”What would Jesus do?”……Hmmmm………Who would Jesus have dinner with?…………..Who would Jesus hold in His arms?…………….Who would Jesus live with?……………..who would Jesus support?………….who would Jesus fight for?…………….Let’s propose just a few concepts FROM the Bible. Handicapped? Black? Women? Children? Mentally Challenged? LGBTQ? The Bible I read says or at the very least, insinuates, that Jesus would “be” with any of these persons or anyone else for that matter.
In the scripture above, the father is welcoming home The Prodigal Son. A son who had messed up big time. He was likely now a social outcast. His family, or at least his brother, was upset with him. He was in poverty. Things were not going well. Yet, his father welcomed him with open arms and no judgement. Hmmmm….
So, Jesus has also given us freedom. Just like the men and women who served to maintain our freedom. He has given us His Word. Jesus has given us the opportunity to use our freedom to choose to be supportive and encouraging and accepting with all persons – persons who would have been welcomed by Him.
When we are remembering what our men and women in the service have given us here in America, please let’s keep in mind and prayer all those who are not completely free yet. Let’s welcome Jesus in on this Fourth of July. Let’s welcome our Savior who welcomed EVERYONE to experience and enjoy life and freedom and Gods’ Love.
PRAYER:
Dearest Savior. Thank you for saving us from ourselves. Give us the complete understanding we need to be able to accept everyone, especially those who are different from us in any way. Help us to savor our freedom by being free with our love and our generosity and our kindness for others.
AMEN.
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