It is Remembrance day in Canada today. I am so thankful to our soldiers who pursue justice at great cost to themselves, some even to death, to take a stand for freedom and to protect people in need. I have met a few over the years, and each one was changed after having served. Both my grandfathers served in the Second World War at great personal cost.
There is a sacrifice many time we take for granted, and only really acknowledge deep within at Easter.
Jesus on the cross.
Where do you think humanity got the idea to serve and protect? I believe the Father, Son & Spirit wove in their characteristics into each of us when they created us.
We are, after all, made in God’s image.
But it isn’t just obedience or duty that makes our soldiers do what they do, nor was it so with Jesus.
It is the love.
Love of country, and love of those they wish to be reunited with are what drives soldiers to keep serving. A sense of justice, and a call to make things right where they are off balance added to that passionate love makes it love in action.
Jesus was no different.
He loves His country, His people, justice, freedom and restoration.
This was the heart and mind package added to His obedience and willingness to lay down His life which kept Him on the road to the cross.
His love for us is what kept Him on that cross, and enduring that pain.
For those of you whose spouse did not return home the same after serving their country, I pray for God to show Himself strong as He restores each of you and your marriage. That He would pour in His love
For those of you whose lives one did not return, please hear that God’s heart breaks alongside yours. He understands the pain of separation. He knows our loved ones are emblazoned upon our heart and minds, and how it hurts when we are suddenly ripped away from the one we love. When part of our very being feels like it has died.
God severed His constant communion with the Son He adores so our freedom could be bought. He really loves us.
Did you know your name is written on His hands?
The surge of tattoos, family portraits and custom jewelry in our culture tells me that people want to remember what is important to them, and want visual reminders to do so.
In Jesus’ case, His nail scars are emblazoned on His hands for each of us to see how much He loves us.
He will never forget us, nor should we forget the cost His love paid for our freedom.
We are meant to remember the high price of freedom, so we never take it for granted.
Many lives have been lost defending our nations from outside attack.
May we honor our fallen, support our wounded and never forget the high cost of our freedom.
In our countries on Remembrance Day, but in our churches, workplaces and homes every say.
We remember, Lord.
May we spend our lives following Your example to lay down our lives as You lead for what matters most to You, each one You love.
Justice. Honour. Freedom.
#LestWeForget
KARLA LEES 