THINK OF LIFE, NOT DEATH

 

November 08, 2023

 

1 John 3:16

"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters."

Romans 5:8

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."

2 Timothy 2:8

“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead ….”

 

 

I read a few years ago the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., he said 

 “Our dead brothers still live for us, and bid us think of life, not death -- of life to which in their youth they lent the passion and joy of the spring. As I listen, the great chorus of life and joy begins again, and amid the awful orchestra of seen and unseen powers and destinies of good and evil our trumpets sound once more a note of daring, hope, and will.”

I am still struck by Holmes’ suggestion that to “think of life, not death” would honor the fallen soldiers. Their sacrifice follows the example of Jesus Christ laying down His life for our freedom and the call to surrender our lives for others.  It is selfless love for others,  not so others can mourn forever, but rather that they may have hope and life!

Notice the scripture above that says "We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So, we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters." 

As I see things, I believe that in scripture and in military service, the willingness to give up one’s life is not contingent on the worthiness of the people who benefit from such an honorable act.

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." 

As I age, the blessing of being able to live in a country like the “true North Strong and Free, is a gift. I gratitude for this gift, may we honor the Canadian soldiers that gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we have in this country. Oh, I know that many feel that our freedom’s have been diminished in recent years. But I still believe that our Canada is the “true North Strong and Free” and I am grateful. May we also give thanks to God for the life-giving freedom we have because of His gift of forgiveness through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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.

 

“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead …”

 

LET US PRAY

 

God! As with silent hearts we bring to mind

 how hate and war diminish humankind,

 we pause, and seek in worship to increase

 our knowledge of the things that make for peace

 

 Hallow our will as humbly we recall

 the lives of those who gave and give their all.

 We thank you, Lord, for women, children, men

 who seek to serve in love, today as then. Amen.

 

Fred Kaan            Remembrance Hymn