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2023 Memorial Day and Pentecost

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Note: Wikipedia was used as a source of data on military conflicts.


In 2023, both Memorial Day and Pentecost occur on the same day. Let us stop to reflect on the meaning of each.


Memorial Day honors and mourns the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the US Armed Forces. According to the US Embassy, the holiday came about as a suggestion from a Civil War general, John A. Logan, in 1868. An annual date was established to remember the massive numbers who died during the turmoil of our divided nation. Horrifically, it is estimated that 655,000 deaths occurred in the American Civil War alone. In sharp contrast, it is estimated that the Revolutionary War resulted in 31,000 deaths.


Pentecost marks the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and enabled them to speak in different languages 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The event marked the birth of the Christian church and the spreading of the gospel to people from all over the world. Praise the Lord!


Over all the years as a nation, the United States has lost approximately 1.341 million lives to war, with almost half of those occurring in the Civil War. Since becoming a nation, we have been involved in military conflicts most of the time.


There have been a few periods in which no war-related deaths occurred: 1879-1890; 1975-1980; and in between world wars 1920-1939. In the latter, only 5 combat-related deaths happened. So out of almost 250 years of existence, in between only 16 and 35 years, no military conflict deaths were reported. It is heartbreaking to know that not all those who died had accepted the promise of eternity with Jesus Christ. We know there are still more in that situation today. It doesn't have to be this way. Please, read on.


Luke's description of what happened in Acts 2:1-21 on that day of Pentecost can serve as a reminder of what God did for each of us. It's important that we know that the Holy Spirit can dwell in us if we will only accept the good news that is Jesus Christ.


As Memorial Day reminds us of those who died, Pentecost reminds us of God's promise of heaven. We should draw comfort and challenge from knowing the beginning of Jesus' church.


Acts 2:17-21

17 "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.

20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."


In other words, people, you ain't seen nothing yet! So, stay tuned. More importantly, be prepared for His return! Don't miss the opportunity, the gift, of eternal life. Your life, your soul depends on it.






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