Allow me to redirect your focus from the day off of work you celebrate today, the family gatherings centered on the food being served, and the fun in the sun. We partake in this day as a memorial to those people that sacrificed their life so that we have the freedom to do those things I mentioned. Many of us have a father, grandfather, son or daughter that gave their life for their country and fellow man, and it is them we recall with a grievous heart for their precious memory that we hold dear. Some lost their lives during their time in traditional service and some on the battlefield. A loss of life is always a great loss to someone, but sacrifices are always a part of war. Whether it was WWI, WWII, Pearl Harbor or yesterday in the Israel War; the loss of life continues, and many mourn in remembrance of a time where peace was at home.
We can trace sacrifice all throughout history back to the purpose for Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice. "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. We are witnessing great loss of life in this day, and even more division as our opinions alter as to the necessity for the continuation of the war as a result of the attack on Israel that took place on October 7. On September 11, 2001, at 7:14 a.m., CDT the United States was attacked by terrorists, leading to a 20-year war in the Middle East. It has only been 7 months since Israel was attacked, and we were at war with the middle east following 9/11 for 20 years. How quickly we forget our math and point fingers as we dismiss a God who is in control of all things, especially His chosen people Israel. "For you (Israel) are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession." Deuteronomy 7:6
Every loss is a great loss, and we should be mindful that many things must take place to bring forth prophecy as we witness the end days draw near. Many people question why God would allow such violence or loss, and I would respond by saying that He is God, and you are not, and His will be done. I know our God to be one that brings beauty from ashes, that turns sadness into gladness, and pity into praise, but there must be a breaking off of dead branches so that fruitful branches can grow there. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5. With the faith that pleases Him and the trust that He desires from us, let us be resolved to the knowledge that we can be at peace in our hearts knowing that God has gone ahead of all things and works for the good for those that are His. Let us hold dear those that we love and have lost and show love to one another and faith by surrendering all things to an all-powerful and all-knowing God. We are so quick to blame leaders and sides, all while forgetting that it is God alone that sets up and takes down Kings. Nothing is a surprise to the Lord, and there is not chaos in Heaven. He either does it, allows it, or uses it. God has created vessels for destruction and vessels for beauty, and who are we to ask the Potter why He made us so? If you belong to Him, then show forth the Fruits of the Spirit, keeping always your speech seasoned with salt in obedience to Him and do not quarrel over disputes that do not lead to a fruitful witness. "Stay away from foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they grow into quarrels. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, a good teacher, and patient. The Lord's servant must gently teach those who disagree. Then maybe God will let them change their minds so they can accept the truth. And they may wake up and escape the trap of the devil, who catches them to do what he wants." 2 Timothy 2:23-26
This is not a time of peace, but that does not mean we cannot partake in the peace that comes from knowing Jesus. When we are weak, He is strong. When we feel lost and do not know where to turn, He is waiting for us to come to Him. Whether we run to Him, or crawl to Him in our brokenness, Jesus is the answer for every question and His love endures forever.
Today is a day to remember more than just loss. We remember that those we lost and continue to lose, when submitted to a life in Christ are not ever lost but have entered into the eternal rest of a faithful Creator.
"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among peoples." Psalms 77:11-14
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