A Spiritual Memorial Day

Hebrews 11:32-38 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 

Tomorrow we will solemnly remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms today, and rightfully so.  Today is a another Memorial Day, as we read of those who stood boldly for the faith - some seemingly victorious, going on to live lives as heroes, others dying as heroes of the faith. They are an inspiration. So are the many who have been giving their lives in recent days for their faith in Christ.  They are receiving many of the same kinds of treatment as those in the biblical accounts did - being tortured, made to flee, and martyred.  We remember them and pray for our brothers and sisters who are still experiencing such things this very hour.