We will remember them, with thanks
Hebrews 11:39-40 "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect"
Today is Veterans' Day here in the USA, when we remember those who went before us, who gave their lives for our freedom. Many cared enough about their fellowman that they were willing to risk their lives to make this world a better place.
In the UK as well, today we remember those who fell in battle, in particular those who fell in the First World War, but including all military service personnel, past and present
The apostle Paul remembers those who went before us, in Hebrews 11. He lists many of the heroes of the faith, and commends them for their faithfulness to the cause of God's kingdom. These saints persevered as representatives of the Kingdom of God, in a foreign country. They were ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20) living among people who did not want God in their lives. We all usd to be like this (Eph 2), we all once lived perverse lives, alienated from God and destined for destruction.
But in God's mercy, He sent us His Son Jesus, to die for our freedom, so that we could be set free from the life of bondage and death. Jesus came willingly, like Isaac of old, to be sacrificed on the altar of God's justice, so that the penalty for our sins could be paid.
Truly, Jesus gave his life so that we might be free. "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).
"Lord we turn to You in gratitude for your selfless giving of yourself so that we might be free. We love you Lord Jesus!".
