Devotion: Memorial Day
Please read the scriptures from the weekend: Revelation 21:1-7
When I was little and in Sunday School here at Sheridan, I remember the teacher asked us what book of the Bible we’d like to study next. I quickly raised my hand and said, “Revelations!”, she looked at me at once and replied, “Oh you’re not ready for Revelations!” That brought me a little fear of the book. But not enough to scare me away forever. I was so grateful for Pastor Greg Bouvier’s message Sunday as it brought me a different perspective on Revelation and Memorial Day. “That peace is God’s end game, that we have nothing to fear. And that fear is replaced with hope.”
I didn’t remember that it was not an official holiday until 1968. I just remember back then it was a time when Mom gathered all the peonies in the yard into a 5-gallon bucket of water, wrapped a towel around it to keep it from spilling, loaded it in the trunk for our trip to Jansen, Nebraska to decorate the graves of loved ones in general to remember them. For her, I think it was a time to remember their impact on her life and so honor them and “their service to her” as soldiers of faith.
We sometimes forget our “soldiers of faith” that passed through our lives. Those people who exemplified a faith in God that never faltered, much like military heroes and the assurance that God is among mortals, is an ever-present help. Although the book of Revelation may bring fear to some, I see it as hope. Hope, at a time when this world now often chooses to tear down each other, we must reflect our Savior’s grace and be soldiers of this faith that “God himself will be with them and be their God”. How else will our children learn the joy of a relationship with God unless they see it in us?
Another thing Pastor Greg asked us to ask ourselves in the grand scheme of things was; “have I lived a good life? And was I a good person?” This brought to mind a funeral I had attended back in the 90’s of a high school music teacher that both my daughters and I had who had died suddenly in a tragic accident. The church was full to overflowing! It struck me at that moment. This spoke to me of a life well-lived. A person not only well-liked but a person who was respected and who set a daily example to others. I pray all of us can dwell in His Goodness and experience the joy of sharing our faith to others.
Heavenly Father, my Savior and my Guide, please dwell in us daily with your presence. Remind us of the hope that’s found in our relationship with you. To share that with others and in turn bring Glory to your name. Amen.
Written by Fran Baatz
Fran has been a lifelong member of Sheridan as the first baby girl to be baptized back in 1953 as her parents were charter members. She loves to serve as a part of the Hospitality team as well as one of the Sheridan quilting teams. She is also a member of Lydia Circle. Fran has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren she adores as well as her two daughters.