Words about the Word - Tom Chandler - Trinity Lutheran Church
“It was now the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:44-46, ESV)
On May 26th of this year, our country will once again honor the people who spilled their blood defending our freedom. Despite many government proclamations and name and date changes over the years, it seems the observance of Memorial Day began spontaneously in cities and towns in the 1860’s after the Civil War, where over 600,000 people died. As more and more soldiers have died in more and more wars, the traditions have multiplied. This year, hundreds of thousands of American flags and bouquets of flowers will be placed on graves all around the world, and many tears will be shed by loved ones.
Memorial Day is not a celebration; it is a day of remembrance, so we never take our freedom for granted, never forget people died so that you and I can peacefully enjoy a meal with our families.
The same could be said about church services next week. For denominations who maintain the traditional church calendar passed down from ancient times, the entire week of April 13-19 is set aside to focus our attention on the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus. There are special services held on Thursday and Friday in many congregations, and more services on Saturday in a few.
If you were to attend one of those services, you might witness traditions that have been observed for more than 1500 years and others that have been added along the way. You might also hear music written by some of the greatest poets and musicians who have ever lived from various denominations and eras. What you see and hear will be somber and sad, with barely a whisper of joy or celebration.
Our ancestors in the faith felt it appropriate to worship Jesus this way as we consider his suffering and death. Because he spilled his blood, not only to save us, but because of us. It was our sin that made his death on the cross necessary. As the prophet said: “He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5).
There is a celebration of new life coming. Perhaps you’ve already stocked up on white lilies, colorful plastic eggs, and bunny ears. But wait, just wait and remember there would be no Fourth of July celebration if soldiers had not spilled their blood on the battlefield in the Revolutionary War.
Before we get to the celebration, it is still good to set aside a time to ponder the dark day when Jesus died, so that we never take our forgiveness for granted.
