Unquestionably Free +

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13 NKJV

Memorial Day. People are planning picnics and barbecues and family gatherings. Those are all good things. We should acknowledge the true cost of them. We should remember that the reason we are able to enjoy these simple pleasures is because of those who fought to attain and maintain our freedom and gave their lives for it.

In reviewing the background for Memorial Day, I found a website with a statement that said it best -

Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation;

it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all. http://www.usmemorialday.org/

You've probably seen the quote that's been making its way around the Internet. "Only 2 defining forces have ever laid down their lives for you: Jesus Christ and the American soldier. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom."  A rather powerful statement, to be sure, but I would have to assert a Truth about the first Defining Force.  John 8:36 in the Amplified Bible reads, So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.

I thank God for every person who has served our country. When I was in high school, while the majority of kids were marching in "peace" moratoriums, I was holding flag rallies with the slogan, "We're for U.S." I am grateful to be living in a country that so far has remained free. Memorial Day is about reconciliation for the lives given for my freedom, but I have been reconciled to God through the Life given to free me from sin. I am eternally grateful for a Savior who has liberated me so that I am unquestionably free.

Prayer:

Father,

           I pray for the comfort of those families who have lost loved ones in the battle for freedom. I pray peace for the souls of those service men and women who survived and came home and for their families - peace that only You can offer. Thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son so that we can be unquestionably free. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen