For many, this weekend marks the beginning of summer. It will entail a trip to the lake, a national park, or just staying home to grill some brats. Others will attend patriotic parades, decorate grave sites, fly the American flag, or participate in a Memorial Day event.
It is a weekend when we remember those who have died defending our nation, our freedom, and our principles. It is estimated that nearly 1.3 million service members have died and an additional 1.5 million service members were wounded fighting for our country. Speakers and politicians will highlight stories of sacrifice, selfless service, and love as essential values that create military heroes. While people will point to battlefields, war zones, and far off foreign campaigns as the epitome of valor, these values have a greater beginning.
We understand sacrifice, selfless service, and love because of God.
John 3:16 shares, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” God gave His Son as a sacrifice for the sins and wrongs of humanity. This sacrificial gift shows the value and love that God has for us, His children. Jesus Christ demonstrates this perfect and holy love by freely laying down His life for us. He acts as a substitute, bleeds and dies on our behalf, so that we can benefit in life with the Lord.
It is a familiar story that we will hear about heroic Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. It is the same reason that we hand out medals for bravery and valor. But do not forget the one who died for you. Many died for our freedom, but one died for our salvation.
God Squad 
Memorial Day
Posted in Devotions, News & Commentary, tagged American service members, casualties, combat death, greater love has no one, John 15, KIA, memorial day, military, Selfless service, war on May 23, 2015|
While many consider this weekend to be the official start of summer, it has a very different purpose. Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who died in service to our nation.
An estimated 665,000 American service members have died in combat since 1775. That huge number represents the greatest sacrifice that one can make. They counted others greater than themselves. They stood up to fight for a cause. They died so that someone else could live.
In John 15, Jesus teaches his disciples to, “love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Selfless service and sacrifice are not words to idly throw around. They demonstrate the love of Christ, the one who was crucified for the entire world. His example shows the tremendous love of heaven. His example shows how much he values us. His example shows how deeply he cares for you and me.
When someone dies in our place, as a substitute, we should take note. It is humbling. It is loving. It is the ultimate sacrifice that one can offer.
As conflicts continue across the globe, let us remember those who have died so that we may live. Take time to remember those who protect our freedoms. Remember to pray for our service members, their families, and our nation.
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