Alva Review-Courier -

Our nation observed Memorial Day this past Monday. If you went past a cemetery, you would see it filled with people and an ocean of flowers on many graves. Maybe you even went to a Memorial Day service and heard the playing of “Taps,” the raising of the flag and then lowering it to half-mast. The speakers may have challenged you to think about those who have gone on before you.

The speakers probably shared about the many men and women who paid the ultimate price in giving their life for the country (1,200,000 died in all the wars for our country). They may have spoken about those of your family who have gone on before you. Tears filled your eyes as you reflected about your great love for them and the loss you experienced for those you cherish so greatly.

Memorial Day does something else that we do not care to really think about. It makes us face ourselves and do some serious thinking about why we are here and where we are going.

The writer of Hebrews was writing to those who were looking at the future and trying to figure which way to go. Would they live a life of faith or give up their faith in Christ? To challenge them, he writes, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). He reminds them that those who went before them gave their best and some paid the ultimate sacrifice for their faith. The Hebrew writer challenges them to do the same and have their name written in the Hall of Faith Chapter.

I’m sure you want your name there, too, and so do I, because of our love for those who went before. Some paid the ultimate price. Are we willing to pay the ultimate price if needed to advance the cause of the gospel?