Memorial Day - Hope for the future - Isa 2:2-4

Memorial Day - Hope for the Future
May 29, 2011

Isa 2:2-4

Introduction

• Tomorrow is Memorial Day
• Many of us have family members or friends who have served or are serving in the military
• We may have family members who gave their all to this calling on their life
• They may have been a grandfather, a dad, perhaps it was a brother or sister or nephew or a son
• They may have been a friend, even a fellow combatant
• We will now watch a short video honoring those who have given their lives for our freedom
• VIDEO
• There is so much suffering associated with war
• Man was not made for war
• 10,000 US troops killed in Afghanistan since 2001 = 900/yr = 3/day
• 32,000 killed in Iraq since 2003 = 3500/yr = 10/day
• This pales into insignificance when we think of the 600,000 who died in the American Civil War in 1861-1865 = 340/day
• More husbands and fathers died in that war than in WW1 and WW2 combined
• A total of over 1.3 million US military personnel have died since the Revolutionary war in 1775

Cause

• When man chose to obey the enemy, war was a part of the consequences
• The enemy seeks to kill, steal and destroy - Jn 10:10
• One of Satan's names is Abaddon or Destroyer
• Rev 9:11

Jesus came to bring life and peace

• But Jesus came to give life, abundant life
• Isa 9:1-6 His name is Prince of Peace

When/How will He come?

• 1 Thes 4:17 There will be a rapture
• The dead in Christ will rise first
• 1 Cor 15:51-54
• We will all meet Jesus in the air - can't wait to get together with his people
• Jesus will set up a kingdom
• Zech 14:4-9
• Feet on Mount of Olives
• Isa 2:2-4
• Swords into plowshares
• No more war
• God will reign!

What if loved one has died

• They are in safe keeping with Jesus
• They are in heaven today
• They are able to commune with him one on one, any time they wish
• and they will be resurrected at Jesus' return, as we read
• And we will embrace each other once more

Conclusion

• So be comforted
• The loved ones you lost, you will see them again
• We honor those who have fallen
• We honor all who have the calling of fighting for the freedom of their country
• And there is hope for the future, because Jesus will return and set things straight, and usher in a time of peace