There is a popular TV show called “Faces of America” hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. It explores race, culture, and identity through genealogy. Personalities are chosen to have their genealogical records studied. Research peals back past generations of men and woman whose race and backgrounds eventually brought forth the present celebrity. It makes you wonder about your own family tree.

As Christians, our ancestry was begun by God when baptismal water caused us to be grafted upon Christ the Vine, “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5). The fruit of His sacrifice on the cross and His triumph over the grave are bestowed upon us, with an inheritance in the kingdom of God.

This Memorial Day, we honor the dead who served our country, bestowing upon us the fruits of their service, our liberty and freedom. This remembrance keeps us grounded in reality. We live in a dangerous world. Enemies seek our destruction. We fight to remain free. We honor those whose sacrifice has benefitted us. What is more, we trust in the Lord who sacrificed all to secure our salvation, the forgiveness of our sins.

With this holiday before us, it gives us pause to consider how others will remember us when we are gone? We probably won’t have monuments dedicated to our memory. But the gift we have received, the faith which sustains our hope, we cherish and share with those around us. Our identity as God’s children is evidenced by His Spirit who dwells within our hearts by faith. Our physical life was transformed to a spiritual life being connected to Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:4). As Christians, what more lasting blessing were those who shaped and influenced our lives in bringing us to the Lord? We must do the same for those we know and love. Jesus said we are “salt” and “light” this troubled world desperately needs (Matthew 5:13-14). The fruits of faith endure.

The fruits of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection continue to bless countless generations with His love. Jesus knew His time was short before His death on the cross. He promised to send the Helper, the “Spirit of truth” (John 15:26), who would witness to His supreme sacrifice and everlasting memorial. This truth His followers will proclaim to all nations. This Pentecost is a reminder of our identity as God’s redeemed and empowered people. Christ’s death and resurrection has impacted our lives with His forgiveness, giving us a lasting heritage, life everlasting.

In this dangerous world, where enemies abound to tempt us, to trick us, to distract us and condemn us, we have God’s Word and promise. Christ’s death and resurrection has restored us to God’s family, bearing in our hearts the image of His Son. Jesus has reversed the ravages of sin and death. The Holy Spirit, “the Lord and giver of life” (Nicene Creed) calls us to faith in the gospel. God’s powerful Spirit gives life to dry bones through God’s living Word (Ezekiel 37:1-14).

This Memorial Day and Pentecost Sunday, we find our true identity as blood bought citizens of heaven. Here on earth, we honor our fallen soldiers in the good fight of faith.