Monday Holidays

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV). I hope your Monday holiday was wonderful! We love them, don't we? Memorial Day. I hope that the weather was cooperative for your outdoor activities. As I think about Memorial Day one more time, I can't help but think about memories. Having a memory is a good thing. It is especially valuable when you are taking a test in school, or trying to recall that phone number you need. It is also helpful when you go to the grocery store to remember why you went in the first place! But memories can also be hard on us. We can be weighed down with memories of past sins. We can hang on to incidents that brought us heartache. We can become so encumbered by painful pasts that we become immobilized. We can find ourselves feeling useless. These memories can wear us down and wear us out! How can we move beyond the pain of past hurts and sins to become positive in life? Our reading this morning gives us the answer. We need to fix our eyes on Jesus. In our remembering, we need to recall that though there was no sin in him, he bore our sins on the cross. He did this that our sins could be forgiven. If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, those sins are forgiven! And when God forgives, he forgives completely. If God is willing to let go of our sins because of Jesus' sacrifice, we do God a disservice by holding on to them! This week give thanks for those men and women who died in the service of their country. But give thanks as well that God has forgive your sin and given you a new beginning. Whatever your plans today, spend a moment reflecting on the greatest of all sacrifices, that which Jesus made on your behalf. Give your past to him. Rest in your day. Trust him with your future.