Remembrance Day

The first world war ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, in 1918. The first day of remembrance took place one year later, on November 11, 1919. After World War II, it was renamed Remembrance Day to include everyone who had died in both world wars. Today, we remember those who died in all wars.

It is a day set aside to remember those who have given their lives for the freedom of others – to remember the reality of what actually happened – to remember the dedication of those who fought and died. And by remembering their commitment, and sacrifice of others, should stir within us a sense of gratitude and appreciation and also strengthen our own resolve to do our part in serving God and others.

As Christians, we can also remember those ‘soldiers’ of the Lord “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.” Heb. 11:33-34
 
And, of course, the greatest sacrifice of all: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

Throughout the Bible, God’s people are instructed to stop and remember what He has done for us.
For us as believers today, we can look back over history and see how God has been active.
God has been, and continues to be, at work in the daily lives of His people.

How often do we take the time to remember what God has done in our lives?
How often do we just pause and thank Him for His presence and provision in our lives?
There is a natural progression in what happens when we pause, when we make time to remember.
It’s important that we take the time to thank Him for what He has done.

Perhaps the key for us is not just being able to rejoice in what God has done in the past, we can also remember that, in Jesus our future is also secure. Jesus is the promised Messiah.

Remember – Jesus willingly left the glory of Heaven to come on a rescue mission to save us.
Remember – Jesus came because of His love for us & to restore our relationship with God the Father.
Jesus was incarnated into this world to do more than teach us and tell us how we should live. He came to die on the cross so that by the shedding of His own blood we could be forgiven.
The perfect one died for the imperfect, for us. The shedding of His blood washed away our sins.
Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to pay the price for the sins of everyone who repents and trusts in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

When Jesus rose from the grave, He conquered death, He conquered hell, He conquered the grave.
Then He ascended into Heaven, and He has gone to prepare a place for those who believe and trust in Him as Saviour. And one day He is coming back.

May we today and always:
Remember His sacrificial love has saved us.
Remember we are a forgiven child of God.
Remember God has a perfect plan for our lives.
Remember, even when life is tough, and things don’t seem to make sense to us – remember that God is in control.
Remember the words of scripture assuring us to be brave and courageous – to not fear or be dismayed, to remember that God knows us, and loves us, and is always with us.
And remember that He wants us to know Him – to know and feel His love.

So today as we remember those who have sacrificed their lives in active service may we live in praise of the One who gave Himself as a sacrifice, suffered death so that you and I might have eternal life.

O God of truth and justice,
we hold before You those men and women
who have died in active service.
As we honour their courage and cherish their memory,
may we put our faith in Your future;
for You are the source of life and hope,
now and for ever.

Amen.
Much love, Michelle