The Importance of Remembering.

On days of remembrance, the reality is especially poignant that our freedom is never free. In the history of this country, God has not primarily used religious or political leaders to safeguard liberty; He uses the sacrifices of men and women in the armed forces to secure our freedom.

Spiritual liberty, too, was bought at a high price. Jesus Christ paid his life for our eternal freedom.

Forgiveness - Ephesians 1:7

Civilians enjoy our national freedom though most of us have not contributed to its preservation. In the same way, we must realize that we have nothing to contribute to our eternal destiny. It is foolish to try to please God by your own effort. Jesus has already done all the work. He died so that you can exchange your guilt and sin for His forgiveness and righteousness.

Righteousness - Romans 5:17

We must also realize that we are guilty before God. We cannot cope with the real guilt of transgressing against God. Someone has to pay for our sin. Jesus paid that price - not only that, but He offers His infinite righteousness to us.

Eternal Life - John 5:24

New Testament writers describe eternal life less in terms of length and more in terms of quality. As we grow in this life, we increasingly think as God thinks and reflect His character through dwelling on His great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4).

Everlasting Joy - John 15:4-5, 9-11

The joy Christ offers is not fleeting happiness but lasting stability. Joy is only as full and lasting as its source. When God is our joy, we can experience stability and constancy regardless of our circumstances. With the question of our eternal destiny answered, it becomes our joy to abide in Christ and obey His commandments.

Application Points

• Veterans do not often ask for fanfare and ceremony as thanks for their service. The best way to honor their sacrifice is simply to enjoy the freedom they have secured. Spiritual freedom is similar: Jesus offers salvation as a free gift. Have you accepted it?

Tools for Further Study

A Hymn to Encourage: "Jesus Shall Reign"

Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
does its successive journeys run,
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.

To him shall endless prayer be made,
and praises throng to crown his head.
His name like sweet perfume shall rise
with every morning sacrifice.

People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song,
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.

Let every creature rise and bring
honor and glory to our King,
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud amen.