Intersections

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Memorial Day signals the unofficial beginning of summer and is cause for celebration for millions of school kids freed (or soon to be freed) from the bonds of the education system.  Most of us will have spent the day enjoying outdoor events such as swimming, playing ball, cooking out, yard work and completing those final pre-summer outdoor projects.  Some of us will have capitalized on annual Memorial Day sales events and “saved” some money.  Many of us also took the opportunity to spend time with family.

Hopefully all of us at least took some time to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday and remembered those who gave their lives in service to our country protecting our freedom.  The holiday was created shortly after the Civil War to commemorate those who died in that conflict and after World War I, the observance was expanded to honor service men and women who died in any conflict.  Everyone who serves in the military knows they may give their life in service to the country.  Our service men and women who died in battle were protecting not only their family and friends but all the rest of us as well.  I hope their families understand the love they showed to us with their sacrifice.

Jesus knew exactly what he was talking about when he told his disciples there was no greater love than that which motivates one to give his life for his friends.  He knew he was on a path to give his own life for others.  The amazing thing is that he gave his life not only for his friends – he gave his life for me even though in my sinful state I was his enemy.  Through his death, I have been reconciled to God where no reconciliation was possible on my own.  Jesus knew what he was talking about and more!

On Memorial Day, we commemorate those who died to give us freedom while we enjoy the benefits of their sacrifice without paying the ultimate price of freedom ourselves.  To those who died for us and to their families, thank you for your sacrifice and for your love!  Every Sunday, we commemorate the one who died to give us spiritual freedom while we enjoy the benefits of his sacrifice without paying the ultimate price of freedom ourselves and mercifully without paying the price for our sins.  To the One who died for us and to His Father, thank you for your sacrifice and for your love!

Until next week,

Meet me at the intersection!