Others, though, will visit cemeteries throughout the land to remember and pay respect to loved ones and friends who have passed on before them. Many will place flowers and flags on their graves.

Perhaps some who rush down the highways at breakneck speeds do not wish to slow down on Memorial Day to remember the dead because it reminds them of their own mortality – of the certainty and finality of death. Some try to escape the thought of death, some try to ignore it.

Angie was standing with a group of teens waiting to get into a concert in St Louis. She sported a Mohawk style haircut, combat boots, and several earrings in each ear. When the conversation shifted to God she replied, “I fell away from church and faith. I felt like I had a lot of other things to do before committing myself to religion.” Luke, who professed to be a Christian, said that he struggles, “I’m not living the life I should be living. But I’m young. I want to have fun, drink, and party. Heaven can wait.”

The penitent thief, who was crucified beside Jesus, knew that heaven could not wait. He was dying, in agony and without hope. Whereas the other man hanging on the cross beside Jesus cursed and ridiculed Jesus. The penitent thief realized that Jesus was more than a man or self-proclaimed Messiah. No one, he thought, could live and die like this man - unless he really was the Son of God. “Jesus”, he cried, “remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus, dying on the cross for the sins of the world (see Isaiah 53), replied, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:40-43). Jesus could offer the hope of eternal life and a home in heaven – because he paid the price. Adam’s sin brought death. Jesus, the second Adam, the Son of God’s death brought life. (See John 3:16).

On Memorial Day, the streets of America are lined with flags. The red, white, and blue waves for freedom. Why not call the flag the blue, white, and red? It doesn’t sound right, does it?
Spiritually speaking, we could say that the red speaks of Christ’s shed blood on the cross for the remission of sins. The white stands for the forgiveness of sins and the righteousness of Christ attributed to us through faith in Christ. “Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). (See Romans 5:1 and I John 1:9, 10.) The blues speaks of heaven. Jesus promised the penitent thief a home in heaven. Christ promises all those who repent of sin and believe in Him the assurance of heaven. (See John 14:1-6.)

Perhaps you reason as those who say, “Heaven can wait.” The Bible says it is foolish to think that way. We do not know what tomorrow holds. We have no guarantee of tomorrow. “Today is the day of salvation” (I Corinthians 6:2). “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation” (Hebrews 2:1).

The reality of heaven transcends comprehension. The scriptures reveal glimpses of its glories. Jewels clear as crystal, pearls of faultless texture, and a street of transparent gold. In that heavenly city trees grow beside a river of life. Angels shed radiance. The spirits of just men made perfect are clothed in white robes. There stands the awesome throne of God, shining with a brightness that makes the sun and moon superfluous. Then there is the breathtaking beauty of Christ.

Heaven is a place of perfect joy - no sickness, no sorrow, and no pain there. God wipes away all tears. Heaven is a place of everlasting life. Nobody grows old. Nothing decays. Heaven is a place of perfect righteousness. No sin can enter there. No liars or thieves or drunkards are there. We will walk eternally without once hearing a profane word or seeing a suggestive scene. No jealousy, hatred, gossip, graft, or pettiness will pollute the atmosphere. Peace will prevail. Heaven is filled with the presence of God - with His love, holiness, and joy.

Those, whose names are written in the Lambs Book of Life, shall see Jesus face to face. (See Revelation 20:11 – 21:21.) Is your name written in the Lambs Book of Life - the list of those who will inherit eternal life? It can be. Repent and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today. Heaven can’t wait. Your decision today will determine your eternal destiny.
“Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be save” (Acts 2:21, 38).