“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. …You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” – Matthew 5:17, 21-22
“‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.’” – Matthew 26:58
Wise pastors have taught me that, when preaching a funeral for someone whose relationship with Jesus was unknown, it is best to avoid “preaching them into heaven.” Instead, such a funeral is an opportunity to minister to the grieving and present them with the hope of the gospel.
Perhaps the Church in America should approach Memorial Day as we would a funeral for a non-believer. Our primary ministry on this day is to “mourn with those who mourn.” We can (and must) do this without glorifying the things of this world, those things which stand opposed to the way of Jesus.
“When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, ‘Lord, should we strike with our swords?’ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.” – Luke 22:49-51
N.D. Storms 