This time of year we see many pictures of all the gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery, each one with an American flag in front of it. This cemetery is the burial place for hundreds of thousands of service members who were in active duty, veterans, and some of their families. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument to the US armed forces members whose remains have never been identified.
As Americans, we pause for a moment when we think of or view these hallowed grounds of burial. There is a tug on our heartstrings that reminds us of the thousands of men and women who have fought in all of the US wars. Hopefully, there is also a recognition of the sacred trust their sacrifice gave.
What is that sacred trust? Our freedom. Sadly, we often take these freedoms—purchased by the blood of those who died that we might live in freedom—for granted. Their noble sacrifice and heroism stand in stark contrast to the “look out for me” attitude that seems to permeate our current culture.
Because so many died for America and our freedoms, we must each dedicate ourselves to live for America—to make her a stronger nation of freedom—so that they would not have died in vain.
While the sacrifices of our service men and women was great as they fought in many battles, God’s Son died on a cross winning the battle against the evil one. Although His death may have seemed like defeat, through His death, burial, and resurrection, He paid the penalty for our sin and took upon Himself the punishment we deserve. Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the greatest sacrifice ever, our freedom from sin and eternal salvation was bought. The victory cry of His battle was, “It is finished” (John 19:30). This meant Jesus had completed all that His Father had given Him to do—reconcile sinful man to Himself.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
As we remember the sacrifice of the service men and women we must continue to work together as a nation united to protect our freedoms so that generations to come can enjoy the same freedoms.
As we remember the sacrifice of Jesus, we must strive to live our lives in obedience to His commands and for His glory. That can only happen when we come to a saving knowledge of Him through the regeneration of our hearts that transforms us so that we can be ambassadors for Him by sharing the gospel with all those whom we come in contact. Real, lasting peace and freedom can only come through a relationship with Jesus.
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