Remembering

In lieu of Memorial Day, I am dedicating this blog entry to those who have given their lives for the sake of my freedom. 

Recently, I traveled to Maryland for our annual conference of the Primitive Methodist Church.  While on the plane, I sat next to an older gentlemen.  I finally broke the ice and started a conversation with him mid-flight.  His name was Charlie and he was a Vietnam veteran.  It was interesting because my history class had just covered the Vietnam War in class the week previous.  He told me a few stories of his time over there.  One of the most interesting ones was the day President Johnson ordered a cease fire on North Vietnam.  He was in South Vietnam when this happened and he told me that the South Vietnamese looked at them and said, "Why would your president do this to us?"  It was heartbreaking to hear the story and you could tell it still affected him. 

In my church is a man named Everett Smith.  He served in World War II as a ball turret gunner for the Flying Fortresses.  He flew six missions and the life expectancy for these gunners on mission was 25 minutes!  He served towards the end of the war and served faithfully for our country. 

The one thing that binds Charlie and Everett together is Jesus.  These men sacrificed for our country I think in large part because they understood the sacrifice Jesus made for them.  These men were devoted to their country, but more importantly they were devoted to their Savior.  We don't understand sacrifice apart from the cross.  The cross is the ultimate sacrifice because Jesus goes to war against sin, death, and Satan even though we did not act like they were our enemies.  Jesus gave his life for his enemies.  We all were his enemies and Jesus loved us too much to not die for us on the cross.  He embraced the cross so that we could be free.

Thank you men and women for what you have done for our country and the freedom of others.  This day is for you.   Thank you Jesus for setting us free; may everyday be for you.