Freedom isn’t free. It’s something we’ve heard often, but what really is the true cost of freedom? How much are we willing to sacrifice for others? How much do we value others above ourselves? Value and freedom are two things we’ve talked about lately, and sacrifices play a critical part in the freedoms we have in this country and the freedom from our past sin. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Memorial Day has been celebrated in this country in some form or another, since just after the Civil War. Officially the last Monday of May came to be the national holiday in 1971. The history around the holiday is important to remember. It’s not just another 3 day weekend and it’s not the “unofficial” start of summer. It is a day to remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
One of the official definitions of sacrifice is “an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.” The Old Testament shows the sacrifices that people had to make for their wrongdoings. All of these paled in comparison to the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for us. When we look at the definition and what Christ did for us we see that he valued us so much that he was willing to lay down his life. Before he gave his life upon the cross he said this to his close circle of friends:
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” John 15:13 ESV
Christ considers us friends when we enter into a relationship with him. We need to look to Christ with gratitude for the sacrifice made on the cross. A sacrifice that no one before Him could do and no one after will have to do. It was the ultimate sacrifice.
When we think of our freedoms in this country let us not forget the over 1.3 million lives have been lost in combat since the Revolutionary War. While compared to the total population over the course of that time, the percentage is small but the cost was high. Fathers, sons, mothers, and daughters gave all for us.
During the last two months many of us have bemoaned the fact that we’ve been stuck inside without much freedom. We’ve lost our ability to go to the racetrack, to work, and to church. What if we looked at things through a different lens? Let’s instead focus on the good that we have had in extra time with our families. There are many wives and mothers that would love just a few more moments with their fallen soldier.
Things this Memorial Day was a little different. Many parades and ceremonies are canceled or postponed and at the same time many churches still aren’t gathering in groups either. In both cases, we can still remember the sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of our soldiers. Take some time to reflect over the next week on how free we are because of the sacrifices of others.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
