The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here…. that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.

Lincoln’s words, spoken over a 150 years ago at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery and Battlefield, apply equally to every other battlefield at home and abroad where our forefathers, our family, and our friends fought and died for us.

If these words are true of those who gave the last full measure of devotion for our political freedom, how much more for the one who “shared in our flesh and blood [and] likewise partook of the same things [we do] in order to destroy the one who has the power of death, that is the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” (Hebrews 2:14-15)  The Bible says that Jesus Christ “disarmed the [evil demonic] rulers and authorities and put them to open shame by triumphing over them in him [through the cross.]” (Colossians 2:15)

As you gather with family and friends this weekend and over Memorial Day to remember those who gave the last full measure of devotion for our nation, use this time also to declare the good news that our greater brother, the Lord Jesus, gave the last full measure of devotion and then rose again in power to grant us freedom from our mortal enemy and new life both now and forever more, free from the enslavement of sin.   The Bible reminds us that “it is for freedom that Christ set us free.”  (Galatians 5:1)

River City Reformed will not meet this Lord’s Day, May 28, but will meet next Lord’s Day, June 4, from 5:00 – 6:30 pm in The Commons at St. Andrews Anglican Church at 8300 Kanis Rd in Little Rock.  Click here for directions.

Let me encourage you to use this Lord’s Day evening as a time to practice hospitality and share the gospel with those whom the Lord has placed in your sphere of influence.