It was an early start to the day. A pre-dawn ANZAC service where thousands (apparently) gathered together to remember those who had given of their lives, their health, their dreams, their loved ones for freedom for our country.
As citizens of both Australia and New Zealand, our sons have the unique privilege of commemorating servicemen and women from both countries and identifying doubly with the stories and symbols associated with this significant day.
Those who went to war, never to return, made the ultimate sacrifice that one could make. Whether we acknowledge that sacrifice or not, it was still made on our behalf. Tears were shed, pain endured, and blood was spilt. For our freedom.
Today my Facebook feed has been filled with images and inspiring words as friends, and family, and fellow citizens have sought to remember ANZAC. It's part of our collective consciousness that we seek to remember and remind one another of the importance and significance of this day. A day when we put aside differences and simply remember.
But today there was also another remembrance service.
Today, as we gathered as part of the body of Christ, not just in New Zealand and Australia, but around the world, many of us remembered another sacrifice. That one also involved tears and pain and the shedding of blood. That one also brought peace. But with a difference. Where one brought us the freedom and peace to live within our countries' boundaries, the other brought us peace and freedom of another kind. The kind that breaks the chains of sin and ushers in freedom and forgiveness; the kind that promises peace despite what is happening around us.
Men and women paid the price for their country and fellow citizens; Christ paid the price for sin for all mankind. Once and for all. Wars will come and go - we have seen many since "the War to end all wars" - but Christ's sacrifice is for all time. No more is needed.
And just as there will always be some who will treat lightly the sacrifice of those who have gone before, there will be those who will reject the sacrifice of Christ and the peace it brings. Yet if the former, we can continue to enjoy the freedom bought with blood, but if the latter, we reject at our eternal peril.
I am thankful for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and laid down their lives for this country and my country. But even more, I am thankful for the One who laid down His life that I might experience forgiveness of sins and live with Him in eternity.
And while it is commendable that we entreat one another not to forget those who fought for our countries, may we also not forget the One who laid down His life and paid the price for our sins, and by so doing, made us joint heirs with the Son, and citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Comments