Freedom And Sacrifice
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13, NASB).
For most Americans, the Memorial Day holiday provides an enjoyable three-day weekend. Unofficially, Memorial Day begins summer for many students and families. The roads and airports are packed with travelers. Also, it’s a wonderful time to shop as a myriad of retailers tempt us with some incredible sales.
The Memorial Day holiday is meant for us to remember the men and women who have served in America’s armed forces and who are no longer alive. So many of these brave men and women laid down their lives in order for us to experience the abundant freedoms we so often take for granted.
Charles Province penned a poem that vividly gives tribute to soldiers with the title “It is the Soldier.” No doubt, Mr. Province had in mind sailors, marines, air force, coast guard, and Army personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow citizens.
It is the Soldier, not the minister, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to protest.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
It is the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.
While the Scriptures do not condone praying for the dead, we can still express gratitude to the Lord for the men and women He has used throughout the history of the United States of America to protect us and to maintain the freedoms we currently experience in “the land of the free.”
During this long weekend, take a moment to thank God for the men and women who loved this country so much that they were willing to die so that you and I might continue to live in freedom.
Pastor Cecil Price
May 30th, 2021