via TJC
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” ~John 15:13
“But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have hallowed it, far above our poor power to add or detract.
It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great remaining task before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here, gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain.” Abraham Lincoln 1854, excerpts from The Gettysburg Address.
Father, there are so many examples of great sacrifice in our society. Parents, organ donors, teachers, etc. And yet, the visual of fallen service members probably speaks the loudest to us. The flagged draped coffins and wreath laid headstones resonate in our hearts and minds. It reminds us that there is someone willing to bear it all for something greater–for our sake. It is a tangible picture of the sacrificing love that You gave for us. And even though their lives ended abruptly, we are able to live victoriously through their legacy. Lord, help us to know the victory we have through You. Help us with our unbelief in the areas of our lives where our hope and victory is shrouded by fear, confusion, chaos and frustration. Lord guide us as we use our freedom and victory to free others from strongholds and break down barriers.
Lord, today we honor those who poured out their last full measure of “Love Does.” Give us the curiosity, the wisdom and the will to honor their sacrifice today as we remember and honor Your’s everyday. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Though Memorial Day is for remembering fallen service members, we at TJC would not be loving our neighbors and mourning with those who mourn if we as Kingdom Men failed to publicly pray for and remember those who were violently and tragically killed in the last week at the Tops Supermarket in Buffalo, NY and at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX. We sincerely pray for the families and communities that will never be the same. We sincerely pray for our leaders at all levels to work together to protect life, solve this problem and prevent this nightmare from becoming a recurring anthem in our nation. And where we are able, Father, give us the strength and endurance to act in line with Your Victory.