John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  We thank the Lord for those men and women who fought for our country in battle!
Their bravery and the sacrifice cannot be overstated.   Many lost their life on the battlefield defending the very freedoms we enjoy today.  The major difference between the soldier and the Savior’s death is this… when the soldier headed into battle there was a chance he could survive and make it home to his family and his country.  When Jesus was facing the cross there was absolutely no chance He would escape the death that was awaiting him.  The Soldier many times was drafted into the military while Jesus voluntarily gave His life for you and me.  Consider please… Romans 5:7-8 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Jesus died for sinners, and He did so willingly!  The Roman soldiers may have thought they took Jesus’s life, but the fact is He laid down His life that you and I could escape the damnation of that awful place called hell.  This Memorial day, let us pause to thank God for our freedoms and the soldiers who risked life and limb to secure it.  Let us also pause to thank God for this truth… He whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!   John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  Do you know the truth?  If so, celebrate both freedoms this Memorial Day!  Amen.  Pastor