Memorial Day

Recently, my father introduced me to a man that was at Normandy on D-Day. My father calls him a hero. I suspect that there are few that would disagree. My father served in World War II also, but he does not consider himself a hero. I found it interesting that my father’s friend did not call himself a hero, but neither did he argue when my father called him one. I suspect that very few (if any) actual heroes refer to themselves as heroes, in fact, most true heroes probably don’t even consider themselves such. Personally, I think any person who voluntarily puts on a uniform, and puts his life on the line to defend his country, is a hero. There are, of course, varying degrees of volunteerism: a draftee is not normally considered a volunteer, but we know there have been many draft-dodgers; even someone serving after being drafted has to have some level of willingness to report for duty when his country calls.

There are many heroes in the Bible, and many examples of different kinds of service. Paul was a draftee. Jonah was a deserter. Joshua and Caleb reconnoitered Canaan. David was clearly a volunteer. Joab turned traitor, after serving King David bravely and faithfully for many years. Of course, David had a few good men. Hebrews 11 gives a list of some of the more impressive heroes of the Bible, and the things that they did that proved their faith. It is not all-inclusive, but it is a fine listing: Abel was known to be righteous because he sacrificed the firstfruits of his labor to God. Enoch was translated that he should not see death. Noah built the ark. Abraham left his home to go someplace he had never been, simply because God told him to. Sarah was able to give birth in her old age because she made a decision to believe God. Amram and Jochebed, Moses’ parents, hid him for three months out of faith. Moses himself, who could have been a prince in Egypt, chose to lead his people out. Joshua fought the battle of Jericho. This chapter also talks about Isaac, Joseph, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets; it is well worth reading.

Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus went on to lay down His life, not just for His friends, but also for people that He had never even met. Most of us hadn’t even been born yet. Many of our military heroes emulate Christ’s example, laying down their lives, not just for their friends, but for people that they’ve never met. In some cases, for people that don’t even appreciate the sacrifice. I realize that Memorial Day has already passed us by this year, but I hope that each of us has honored the military men and women that have given their lives for our continued freedom (and if Memorial Day was just another day to you this year, then please don’t wait until next Memorial Day to spend some time in remembrance). Remember also the sacrifice that our Lord and Savior made for us.