Remembrance Day Memories
Wednesday November 11, 2015
Each year as I look on the faces of aging war veterans I wonder what they are remembering. During this past year we remembered and celebrated that the Second World War ended in August 1945. Through various documentaries we were exposed to some images of the experience of those veterans. Because men and women were willing to do something tough, demanding and life-changing, I have been able to grow up in Canada in peaceful times. Each time I see those faces, I thank God that He is willing to help these veterans carry their painful memories and fix the holes in their hearts that I, through their sacrifice, have not had to bear.
During this past year I stood in Jerusalem at the place where Jesus suffered and died for my sins. Even though it was for my sin that He died, I do not have to carry the horror of those cruel moments when He was nailed to the cross. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, I do not have to bear the burden of my sins as they were all laid on Him.
But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. (Isaiah 53:5-6 NLT)
Some lines from Stuart Townend's song "How Deep The Father's Love" come to mind: How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure. That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away; As wounds which mar the chosen One, Bring many sons to glory. Behold the Man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders, Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there, Until it was accomplished. His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished.
On this Remembrance Day, let's pause and remember with gratitude those who fought wars that have given us freedom. Today, let's also take time to thank the living God who generously provided his son Jesus Christ who willingly paid the price of our sin. Let’s receive His forgiveness and thank Him for graciously wiping out the memory of our sins.
And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins. (Hebrews 8:12 NLT)
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