Lest We Forget

As both a pastor and a combat veteran, Memorial Day is deeply personal to me.

I have stood in formation as names were called for a final roll call and no one answered. I have watched strong men bow their heads as a folded flag was placed into the trembling hands of a grieving family. I have felt the weight of an empty seat, the silence after the battle, and the sobering realization that some who had mounted up, geared up, but would never come home.

They answered the call without hesitation. They stood watch when others slept. And they gave their lives so that we could gather here this morning and worship the Lord Jesus Christ in freedom.

Thomas Jefferson once said, “The cement of this union is the heart-blood of every American.”

Patrick Henry declared, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”

And Abraham Lincoln reminded us that this nation was “conceived in liberty.”

Freedom has never been free. Some signed the Declaration of Independence with ink; others signed it with their blood.

Every generation of Americans has produced ordinary men and women who did extraordinary things. They were not perfect. They were sons and daughters, husbands and wives, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. But when duty called, they stepped forward.

The writer of Hebrews understood that kind of courage and sacrifice. Speaking of the heroes of faith, he wrote that they “out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight” and were men and women “of whom the world was not worthy.”

Today, we honor two groups of heroes:

• Those who died defending our nation’s freedom.
• Those faithful saints who gave everything to follow Jesus Christ.

And as we pause to remember their sacrifice, before my memory fails me, I want to speak on this thought, LEST WE FORGET.Top of Form

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REMEMBER THE PRICE THAT WAS PAID

“³⁵Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: ³⁶And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: ³⁷They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;” (Hebrews 11:35-37)

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that faith has always carried a cost.

The heroes of Scripture were not merely people who believed in God; they were men and women who were willing to suffer, endure, and even die rather than deny the truth. Some were mocked. Some were imprisoned. Some were tortured. Some were executed. They understood that some promises are worth more than this present life.

That same truth is evident every Memorial Day – Freedom has never been free.

All across this nation, in cemeteries stretching from American Revolutionary War battlefields to War in Afghanistan memorials, beneath rows of white marble stones and weathered crosses, lie men and women who paid the ultimate price so that you and I might live in liberty.

They left behind:

• Parents
• Husbands and wives
• Sons and daughters
• Dreams and ambitions
• Futures they would never see

They missed birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and family milestones. Many never returned home. Others returned bearing the visible scars of war – missing limbs, burns, and wounds that forever changed their lives. Still others carry invisible scars – memories of combat, the grief of losing friends, and the ongoing burden of trauma.

And yet they served. They stood in harm’s way so that future generations could enjoy the blessings of freedom.

As profound as that sacrifice is, there is an even greater sacrifice we must never forget. Our spiritual freedom came at the highest possible cost.

Jesus Christ left the glory of heaven, took upon Himself human flesh, and willingly went to the cross of Calvary. There He shed His precious blood so that we could be set free from:

• The penalty of sin
• The power of shame
• The fear of death
• The reality of hell

He paid a debt He did not owe because we owed a debt we could never pay.

The scars in His hands, His feet, and His side are eternal reminders that our redemption was purchased with blood.

But not only should we remember the price that was paid:

REMEMBER THE PEOPLE WHO PAID IT

“³² And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:³³ Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. ³⁴ Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” (Hebrews 11:33-34)

When the writer of Hebrews looks back over the pages of history, he does not focus on celebrities, politicians, or the wealthy. He points us to ordinary men and women who trusted God and, by faith, accomplished extraordinary things.

These were not perfect people. They were flawed, fearful, and often overwhelmed. Yet when God called them, they stepped forward in obedience, and the Lord transformed their weakness into strength.

In Hebrews 11 we meet men such as:

• Gideon, who began in fear but led Israel to victory.
• Samson, whose life was marked by failure, yet who finished in faith.
• David, a shepherd boy who became a warrior king.
• Samuel, who faithfully proclaimed God’s Word.
• The prophets, who stood for truth even when it cost them everything.

The common thread is this: God uses willing people.

The same pattern can be seen throughout American history.

When liberty was threatened, God raised up men and women who stood in the gap.

• Soldiers stormed the beaches of Battle of Normandy under relentless enemy fire.
• Marines climbed the volcanic slopes of Battle of Iwo Jima to raise the American flag.
• Rangers and Delta operators fought in the streets of Battle of Mogadishu to rescue their brothers.
• Special operators gave their lives during Operation Eagle Claw in an attempt to bring American hostages home.

History records names like:

• Audie Murphy, whose courage became legendary.
• John Basilone, who held the line against overwhelming odds.
• Michael P. Murphy, who gave his life to save his teammates.
• Dakota Meyer, who repeatedly entered enemy fire to rescue the wounded.

Yet for every famous name, there are thousands of others known only to their families, their brothers-in-arms, and their Creator.

• Some lie in Arlington.
• Some rest in small hometown cemeteries.
• Some are remembered by a folded flag and a gold star in a family’s living room.

Their names may fade from textbooks, but they are not forgotten by God.

The same is true in the church. God continues to raise up faithful people:

• Sunday school teachers who quietly invest in children.
• Missionaries who labor in obscurity.
• Pastors who preach truth with conviction.
• Parents and grandparents who pray for the next generation.

They may never receive medals or public recognition, but heaven takes notice. The world may overlook its heroes, but God never does.

• He remembers every act of courage.
• He sees every sacrifice.
• He honors every life surrendered in faith.

And just as God used Gideon, David, and Samuel, and just as He used courageous soldiers throughout our nation’s history, He is still looking for men and women today who will stand in the gap, trust Him completely, and live lives worth remembering.

REMEMBER THE PURPOSE THEY SERVED

Why did they sacrifice? Why would a young man or woman leave the comfort of home, kiss their family goodbye, and step into harm’s way knowing they might never return?

• It was not for applause.
• It was not for political recognition.
• It was not for medals, headlines, or fame.

They served because they believed some things are worth dying for.

• Liberty
• Duty
• Honor
• Country

They understood that freedom is bigger than one individual life. They believed future generations should live in peace, worship freely, raise their families, and enjoy the blessings of liberty.

That same sense of purpose is what sustained the heroes of Hebrews 11.

These men and women endured imprisonment, torture, ridicule, and death because they were convinced they were living for something greater than themselves. Hebrews tells us they were looking for “a better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35). Their eyes were fixed on eternity.

They understood a profound truth: life is about more than comfort – it is about calling. God did not place us on this earth merely to pursue convenience, safety, or personal success. He created us to know Him, serve Him, and fulfill His purpose for our lives.

A soldier does not endure blistering desert heat, freezing mountain nights, and miles of hostile terrain simply for the march itself. He presses forward because there is a mission to accomplish and a destination to reach. He knows that every hardship, every sleepless night, and every sacrifice serves a greater objective.

In the same way, the Christian life is not about merely surviving the hardships of this world. We endure because we have been given a divine mission:

• To glorify God
• To proclaim the gospel
• To make disciples
• To leave a legacy of faith

And we are marching toward a greater destination – our eternal home with the Lord. When you understand your purpose, sacrifice takes on meaning.

• Trials become training.
• Suffering becomes service.
• Difficulties become opportunities for faith.
• Death becomes the doorway to eternal life.

The soldier endures because he believes in the mission – the saint perseveres because he believes in the Master.

When you know your purpose, sacrifice becomes worthwhile. And when you are living for something eternal, no hardship is wasted, no sacrifice is forgotten, and no act of obedience is ever in vain in the service of God.

REMEMBER THE LEGACY THEY LEFT

^“32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:”

Every sacrifice leaves a mark. No one lays down their life without leaving something behind. Every fallen warrior leaves:

• A folded flag placed carefully into the hands of a grieving family.
• An empty seat at the dinner table.
• A name etched on a memorial.
• A story of courage that will be told for generations.
• A lasting example of duty, honor, and selfless sacrifice.

For the family, the loss is deeply personal. For the nation, the sacrifice is profoundly significant. For history, the legacy endures. Long after the battlefield has grown quiet, the influence of their lives continues to speak.

The same is true of every faithful Christian. When a believer walks with God, serves others, and remains faithful to the end, they leave behind something far greater than earthly possessions.

They leave:

• A testimony of God’s faithfulness.
• A witness to the transforming power of Christ.
• A spiritual inheritance that shapes future generations.
• A pattern of faith for others to follow.

Money can be spent. Possessions can be lost. Buildings can crumble. But a godly legacy can influence children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren for years to come.

Let me ask you a personal question: What will your children remember about you? When your life is over and your voice grows silent, what truths will still echo in the hearts of those you love?

Will they remember your titles and accomplishments, or will they remember your faith? Will they inherit merely your possessions, or will they inherit your passion for God?

The most important thing you leave behind is not what you owned, but who you became in Christ. Your greatest contribution to the next generation may not be something you give them, but the example you set before them.

The greatest memorial is not a monument of stone, but a life that inspires others to follow God. A name carved into granite may honor a person for a season, but a life surrendered to God can point others to Christ for generations.

REMEMBER THE LORD WHO MAKES HEROES

Heroes are not born with extraordinary abilities. They are ordinary people who discover that God is greater than their weakness. That is exactly what Hebrews tells us: “Out of weakness were made strong.” (Hebrews 11:34)

That phrase is one of the most encouraging statements in all of Scripture. It means that the men and women we admire in the Bible were not fearless giants. They were flawed individuals with doubts, failures, and limitations, just like us.

• Gideon was afraid and hiding when God called him.
• David was hunted and spent years running for his life.
• Samson was deeply flawed and made tragic mistakes.
• The prophets were mocked, rejected, and persecuted.

Yet in every case, God supplied what they lacked.

• Where they were weak, He was strong.
• Where they were fearful, He gave courage.
• Where they were broken, He provided grace.
• Where they were inadequate, He proved sufficient.

God has not changed. He is still in the business of taking ordinary people and doing extraordinary things through them. God is not looking for perfect people – He is looking for surrendered people. The Lord delights in using those who know they cannot succeed without Him.

As inspiring as the heroes of Scripture and the heroes of our nation may be, there is one Hero who stands above them all – Jesus Christ – He is the greatest Hero in history. He:

• Left the glory of heaven.
• Took upon Himself our sin.
• Endured the agony of the cross.
• Shed His blood for our redemption.
• Rose triumphantly from the grave.
• Conquered sin, death, and hell forever.

No soldier ever fought a greater battle. No warrior ever won a greater victory. No sacrifice has ever accomplished more. Because of Him, we are free indeed.

• Free from guilt.
• Free from condemnation.
• Free from the fear of death.
• Free to live as children of God.

Today you feel weak, you may feel inadequate, broken, or fearful – but take heart, God specializes in transforming weakness into strength. The same Lord who empowered Gideon, sustained David, and raised Jesus from the dead can work powerfully in your life.

Heroes are made when ordinary people surrender to an extraordinary God. And the greatest decision you will ever make is to place your life in the hands of the Lord who still makes heroes today.Top of Form

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CONCLUSION

The writer of Hebrews said, “Of whom the world was not worthy.” That phrase applies to:

• The saints who suffered for Christ
• The soldiers who died for freedom
• The faithful servants who quietly stand for truth

Today we say: We remember; We honor; We give thanks; We refuse to forget.

To our veterans, Thank you for your service. To the families of the fallen, Thank you for your sacrifice. To every believer, live a life worth remembering. The question is not whether others died for your freedom. The question is: Will you trust the One who died for your soul?