Our guest preacher this week is Brad Livingstone, last year's "Teacher of the Year" at Oaks Christian High School.  Among other classes, Brad teaches an advanced history class on WWII, and he's been honoring WWII vets by inviting them to share their war experiences with his class.  I've been privileged to hear several of these honored veterans share their WWII experiences, and I've been struck by their self sacrifice and courage and willingness to die for their brothers in arms and for the sake of our country.  Truly amazing.

Well, Brad will be sharing about the intersection of the gospel with the lives of three of these veterans and how Jesus Christ got a hold of their lives and was very real to them during times of combat as well as peace.  

There is no prepared Bible study for this week.  Let me suggest that you read and reflect on and talk about a passage involving self sacrifice.  Here are a few suggestions:

*Philippians 2:5-11 (Christ's descension aka "kenosis") 

*1 Samuel 1 (Hannah's sacrifice of her first born, Samuel, to the priesthood)

*1 Samuel 17 (David putting it all on the line for Yahweh and his people)

*Esther 4:7-17 (Esther puts her life on the line for her people) 

*Mark 14:35-36 (Jesus in Gethsemane, sacrificing his will for God's)

Though I'm not a fan of mixing patriotism with our worship of God, nevertheless I am moved by the theme of self sacrifice that Memorial Day brings into focus.  If there ever was a memorial day, it was Good Friday; if there ever was self sacrifice, it is the kenosis of our Lord Jesus Christ, who descended from heaven and entered into our time and space, out of love for us and a mission to redeem what was lost.  Christ died to sin once for all that we might have life. 

Now that's a memorial day!  

I thank God for the gift we have in the life, death and resurrection of our Lord.  I thank God for the gift of faith he's given to me, changing my life inside - out by the power of the Holy Spirit.  

A memorial is something that helps us remember. Good Friday helps me remembers the sacrificial love of God for me.  Memorial Day helps me remember the sacrificial love and lives of my brothers and sisters, common folk who have entrusted their lives to our country for our sake, safety and security. 

On this Memorial Day, I find myself very thankful.  Thankful indeed.

Blessings,
Michael

Bless