The Greatest Sacrifice

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

It was Veteran’s Day this week; a time of reflection on past and present sacrifices our military (and their families) make for our freedom. For me, November 11th has been an emotional day for several years now. It was 14 years ago we buried my youngest brother who although not a soldier still died fighting his own life battle. His only son is a firefighter in the United States Air Force, bound for Iraq in February, 2010 and Para-rescue training camp upon his return to the states. Trusting his fate to God is not always easy; we selfishly want to keep him all to ourselves. But the Father understands our pain, for His was much worse two thousand years ago on Calvary’s hilltop. The cross was the site of the greatest sacrifice ever paid.

While physical wars between nations wage on, I find this can sometimes distract me from the spiritual battle at hand. When so many soldiers and civilians die and peace appears bleak, I can be tempted to forget to pray for a different kind of victory. The real war that needs to be won is the fight for lost souls, the reason Jesus lived and died for. His was not a political war, but a struggle to reconcile all humans with God by His death for our eternal life. His unblemished heart and mind took the place of my sinful and corrupt one, all so that Jesus can call me “friend” as I call Him “Savior”. What a trade off.

Whenever we pause to pray for our military and their families let us also remember to thank God the Father for God the Son’s precious gift to humanity. True freedom begins with a choice to accept the gift of eternal life that is free to us, but cost Jesus everything. Only He can help us pray for our enemy’s eyes and hearts to be opened to the gospel of hope, and that they passionately embrace it.

Peace on earth begins not with swords reeled by one soldier against another, but when God’s Holy Word pierces our hearts and transforms us. As we support our troops in battle, so should our patronage be for our fellow Christians serving in God’s soul-winning army worldwide. Our sacrifice of prayer is so small when compared to the ultimate sacrifice of love. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary