It's me again God,
It's almost dawn on the day we remember the fallen. It's so strange to be thinking of battles fought so long ago, especially at this time when the world is engaged in the battle against a deadly virus! However, despite the fact people can't gather to commemorate as they usually do, we still remember with grateful hearts those who gave everything for our freedom in Australia:
God of love and liberty,
We bring our thanks today for the peace and security we enjoy,
We remember those who in time of war faithfully served their country.
We pray for their families, and for ourselves whose freedom was won at such a cost.
Make us a people zealous for peace, and hasten that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation neither learn war any more.
This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world:
Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.
Thank You for the brave hearts who gave everything in order to serve our country and bring us freedom.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
(Laurence Binyon)
What a great cost was paid for us but this is such a familiar concept to us as believers. How blessed we are that Jesus first gave His life for our freedom!
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.""
Mark 10:45 NIV
I remember learning a hymn at school which we would sing during Anzac Day ceremonies each year. This was at a time when the Vietnam war was still raging and I recall feeling such comfort in the concept that You were the Lord of our far-flung battle line. It is also beautiful to see the writer referring to Jesus' sacrifice in the phrase Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice.
It's so wonderful to think that in times of war or peace, You are the One that people can turn to. They can acknowledge You as the Lord of hosts and request Your presence in their current situation —something I pray will happen across the world as we continue the battle with Covid-19.
God of our fathers, known of old,
Lord of our far-flung battle line,
Beneath whose awful hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine—
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!
The tumult and the shouting dies;
The Captains and the Kings depart:
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!
(Rudyard Kipling)
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
John 15:13 NIV
Thank You Jesus for laying down Your life for us and for showing us what love and sacrifice look like. Thank You for this day to remember all who followed Your lead in serving our country.
Lest we forget,
Amen.
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