Miller, Music and Memorial Day

As a pastor, I am reminded often of the importance of keeping the morale of the troops high.  In 1944, in what was probably friendly fire, a band director (who had entertained over a million troops) lost his life serving his country.  He sacrificed his life for all of us.  Last year, on a trip to Washington DC, I learned that his empty grave and memorial headstone (MH 464A) is located in Arlington Cemetery.  Miller earned the Bronze Star for "meritorious service as Commander of the Air Force Band."  His headstone was, at his daughter's request, placed in Arlington National Cemetery in April of 1992.

The idea of sacrifice has become less evident in our society as we have gotten a bit too self-focused.  But let's think for a bit.  Two weeks ago we honored mothers, who know the idea of sacrifice all too well as they give time, energy and life for their families and children.  They invest tears and all kinds of love just so their children will grow up right.  Now we remember those in our military who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that our freedom and our country could exist and thrive.  That fact alone should call us all to thanksgiving and gratitude for all who have donned the uniform.

But let's not forget that we are here today because of the value and virtue of a sacrifice made for our freedom and life ... freedom from the oppression of sin and life from Jesus' death.  All of this should cause us to place value and reverence on the ideal of sacrifice.  We should clamor to be in our church to celebrate and be witnesses to God's gift to us.  We should place God's house and God's gift in its rightful place in our hearts and in our priorities.

Jesus told us, on the night He was betrayed, '"This is my body, which is given for you.  Do this in remembrance of me."  In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper and said, "This cup is the new covenant between God and His people, an agreement confirmed by His blood."' (1 Cor. 11:23-25).  How can we, as Christians, read this and hear it every time we celebrate Communion and not remember Jesus' sacrifice, given in the battle for our very souls?  Twila Paris asks a question in a song about two soldiers, "What did He die for, when He died for you and me, made the sacrifice, so that we could all be free, I believe, we will answer all to heaven, for the way we spend our priceless liberty, look inside and find the answer, what did He die for, when He died for me?"  AMEN