“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13
This weekend there will be many gatherings for backyard barbecues. There will trips to the beach or lake and folks will enjoy an extra day from work. It is a time to relax and enjoy family and friends — it is a holiday!
Memorial Day is much more than just these things though. It is a day to remember those that have died in service to our country. These heroes gave their lives in the line of duty so that you and I can live in freedom and can enjoy a day off work, a trip to the beach or a cookout with family. We definitely owe a debt of gratitude to all those that gave their all for our rights, and it is fitting that we take a moment to thank God for them and to remember their families that are now having to go on without them.
But it also brings to mind the One that made the supreme sacrifice for all of us— that is Jesus! He willingly laid down His life in order for us to have freedom from sin and the grave. Speaking of His own life, Jesus said, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord…” John 10:18. Many of the soldiers that have died in combat, didn’t plan to be killed, but Jesus came to earth for that very purpose! He knew when He left heaven that one day He would have to die an earthly death, but because of His great love for us (his friends) He went to the cross and took all our sins on Himself. He paid the debt we owed and wiped our slate clean.
What a wonderful Savior! Today and always we want to thank Him, honor Him and praise Him for having such a great love that He laid down His life for us and calls us His friends.
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