And He took bread and gave thanks and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of Me. Luke 22:19
Our entire nation pauses today to remember. Our brave solders who have died in various wars and conflicts over the years, including those most recently fallen in Afghanistan, are well worth our while remembering. We gather today in the comfort and safety that was purchased for us by the blood of those valiant men and women. In displays of courage and dedication unrivalled in the world, they won many battles, and eventually, won the wars.
But our attendance at the Remembrance Day ceremonies at cenotaphs today – if we are able – must call to mind a much greater Remembrance Day that is upon us every week. The fallen soldiers died to save us from a lifetime of tyranny and terrorism, but our Saviour died to save us from an eternity of suffering and separation from God. The soldiers died to save us from evil oppressors and cruelty, but Jesus died to save us from our own sins. Let us ever remember and never minimize the sacrifice of the brave solders who paid in their own life blood for the freedom and peace we enjoy today. However, their sacrifice was temporary and, sadly, the price they paid was but of temporary benefit to us. But Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself is of eternal consequence and everlasting blessing.
The names of great Canadian battles and victories are carved on many monuments and many are well known to us: Queenston Heights, Lundy’s Lane, Vimy Ridge, Ypres, Passchendaele, Dieppe, Normandy. But these all fade into insignificance when we consider the greatest battle in all of earth’s history: Golgotha. In deepest respect for the suffering and carnage borne by our valiant military, we must bow low in solemn tribute today to the infinite shame, agony, and anguish of the cross. What Jesus Christ bore there for us transcends all of the sufferings of humanity for all time, wars included.
For one day, we will pause and remember our valiant war dead. But we will remember Jesus today and to all eternity! -Jim MacIntosh