Like a feud between siblings, the origin of the first Memorial Day celebration is clouded by history, with over 25 American cities taking credit. The initial holiday was coined Decoration Day, based upon a 1867 hymn Kneel Where Our Loves Are Sleeping. Inspired by the end of the Civil War, ladies of the South decorated the graves of dead confederate soldiers. Although president Lyndon Johnson officially declared Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1966, the debate continues today as several cities had spontaneous celebrations back in the 1860’s.
Acts 10:4 introduces another memorial day, one with a spiritual background. Legalism within the Jewish faith had exploded by the first century, creating social barriers between Jews, Gentiles and half-Jews due to inter marriage. Like a leper, outcast by society, Gentiles were not initially accepted by the 12 apostles, who focused on reaching all the Jews within Jerusalem, Acts 1:8. However, the persecution led by Saul caused early church leaders to shift directions in Acts 8:1-4 toward believers located in Judea and Samaria. When the time had arrived, the prayers of a Gentile named Cornelius were answered.
An angel of the Lord came to Cornelius in a vision one afternoon, Acts 10:3. While silent for years, God brings him great news. Cornelius’ prayers and gifts to the poor have not been overlooked, brought to light in a memorial offering. The final touch is communicated to Peter in a vision found in Acts 10:9-16. This occurred so that legalism of Jewish Christians would be broken, lifted to welcome any Gentile into the kingdom of God. Since Jesus died once and for all for all sin, 1 Peter 3:18, as a memorial offering for mankind, God’s goal was to eliminate cliches, factions and social barriers within the church, Colossians 2:20-23. In view of this, don’t let holiday shopping, weather or worldly ways keep you from offering up a Memorial Day prayer!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 