Good Monday morning...

 

… and remembering those who died in combat for the freedoms we enjoy can be lost in the busyness of, well, everything else.  Taking time to remember is why this day has been set apart as a holiday… and the honor given to the unknown soldiers at the capitol’s Arlington National Cemetery is instructive as a true memorial.

At the tomb of the unknown soldier there are the remains of service members from the Great War, World War II, Korea, but because of the advancement in technology, there will likely never be another unknown soldier.  Interestingly, the unknown soldier that had represented those who died in Viet Nam was identified by DNA, and the body was removed and returned to his hometown for burial in a national cemetery.  Today, in place of his tomb at the site is a marker for all those who remain missing from that war.

Like the company that is guarding the tomb of the unknown soldier, a soldier is pacing 21 steps, pausing 21 seconds, returning 21 paces, and repeating around the clock, every day of the year, we must guard our hearts from becoming complacent to the living cost of war.  Today is a good day to check in with your soul, and to humbly acknowledge those who have died in defending our freedom.

There are no unknowns to God.  Every creature, every human, is known by Him who is our Sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords.  Because of the intensity of aerial warfare, and the damage of today’s bombs, I’m afraid that the growing number of people considered “collateral damage” is out of control.  My heart aches every time I see the footage of bombs blowing up and destroying buildings occupied by civilians.  My brothers and sisters in Christ may have been in those buildings, or people that my Savior died for, who had not yet been reached with the good news of Jesus.  I can only imagine the heart ache for those whose family members were buried under the rubble of said buildings!

I am going to pause today and remember the lives of service members who died defending our freedoms.  I am also going to pray for the ending of the wars that are only being fought at the command of misinformed power mongers, and a raising up of leaders who are truly informed of the sovereignty of God, the value of fellow human beings, and the responsibility to remember the cost of the One Who died on Calvary for the redemption of everyone who believes.

For His glory,

Pastor Mike