Military Devotion – Remember the Fallen with Resurrection Hope – May 22, 2026
Based on Acts 2:21
Remember the Fallen with Resurrection Hope
Last month I was in our nation’s capital, and I took some time to walk around the National Mall. When I reached the Vietnam Veterans memorial, I walked around the statue of the three service members. As I stood behind the statues, I noticed that their gaze is fixed on the black granite wall upon which are etched the names of their fallen comrades in arms. Just then a group of men in wheelchairs rolled up. They were a group of Vietnam veterans on their Honor Flight. Some took pictures. Others just sat there with their hands folded, remembering…
This made me think ahead to this weekend. On Memorial Day weekend we remember those who have died in service to our country. But we do not grieve the dead the way that the rest of the world grieves because we have hope. We know that Christ is risen and that he lives. Those who died while serving our country and died clinging in the risen Lord Jesus, they also live!
The apostle Peter quoted the prophet Joel in his Pentecost Day sermon in Acts chapter 2 and he said this: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21).
My prayer for you is that when you take time to remember this weekend – whether you do that on Monday at 3:00 PM local time, the National Moment of Remembrance, or you do that by sticking a flag in your yard, or hanging it on your garage, or laying a wreath on a tombstone – my prayer is that your soul is comforted with Jesus’ resurrection promise that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Jesus promised the one who was crucified with him, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” This promise confirms that those who died in service to our country clinging to Jesus as their Savior – their souls are with Jesus right now in heaven. I pray that you are comforted with the knowledge that because Christ’s tomb is empty that one day their tombs and their urns will be empty, too. Their bodies will rise from the dead and they will live forever remember. The one who died and rose again never to die again did so, so that those who call on his name will never die and that includes you.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as we remember those who gave their lives in service to our nation, comfort hearts that still carry grief and loss. Remind us that death is not the end of those who call on your name. Because you died and rose again, your people have the sure hope of eternal life. Strengthen those who remember the fallen with the promise of your empty tomb. Lord, through the blood and sacrifice of those who have perished you continue to bless our nation with freedoms, most notably, the freedom to proclaim your truths. Prevent further shedding of blood. Grant us peace so that your Word flourishes among the citizens of this great country. In your name I pray. Amen.
Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.
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