“Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me.” (God-Isaiah 46:9)
Our LORD was continually calling the ancient Hebrew people –His chosen people–to remember all that they had experienced, endured, and been rescued from. From those frequent admonitions, there grew an oral tradition in which the fathers shared the stories of their history with God to the children. These historical experiences had been painstakingly and accurately memorized so that they might not be lost.
Later, in the New Testament writings, both Jesus and His followers admonished the Church to remember; remember all that Jesus had said and accomplished for mankind’s redeemed lives and for the future workings of the believer through His church. Jesus even instituted the LORD‘s Supper for the purpose of honoring His memory and actions with these words, “This do in remembrance of Me“ (Luke 22:19).
As WWII was coming to a conclusion, Americans were liberating German concentration camps finding within the horrors of the Nazi brutality. Seeing the Nazi crimes committed at Ohrdruf made such an impact on Eisenhower that he wanted the world to know what happened in the concentration camps. On April 19, 1945, he requested General George C. Marshall, the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, to bring members of Congress and journalists to the newly liberated camps so that they see and report to the American public the horrible truth about the German Nazi atrocities.
“Get it all on record now – get the films – get the witnesses – because somewhere down the track of history some bastard will get up and say that this never happened.” – General Dwight D. Eisenhower, on future Holocaust denial
Today, many are attempting to discredit the truths of these horrible actions of men against men, which makes the following words of Eisenhower seem prophetic:
“Only Americans can hurt America.” – President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Allow those words to sink deeply into your soul. My sorrow is in the truth of those words being played out day by day.
It is becoming painfully apparent that many of Americans have either forgotten or have never heard these famous, inspiring words of challenge to the young Americans of the early 1960’s:
“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” – John F. Kennedy
Many today have these words reversed because of deeply rooted lazy selfishness.
True Americans remember the unselfish patriotism of the many who have given their all for the nation they loved. These fallen heroes will forever represent the spirit of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor, and who has fought many campaigns to keep America free.
Today, we not only fight to remember the patriot lives given to safeguard America from Socialism and Communism, but we must also watch out for the masquerade of false patriotism, which may lead us into the same.
Oh, my LORD, awaken the memories of the American people. Awaken the blinded minds of our young and old to the truth of our need to return to You and Your values of living and loving together in righteousness. Revive Your church to remembering Who You are in her midst. Remind her of Your Light and Life, and hope of glory. Please allow for one more outpouring of Your Spirit on this land we call home. All for Your glory, and to the saving of many. In the name above all names, Jesus Christ, Amen!
Church, arise . . . Pray On!
“The world is hungry—no; they’re starving—for the joy of the LORD!” –Candace Payne
