It’s hard to imagine the sacrifices, the hardship endured by others to try to ensure our freedom. But did they die in vain?
- Months or even years away from family, friends, parents or children.
- No showers, cleanliness or dry socks. That’s right – itchy, infected feet swollen in boots – that was normal.
- Sickness, disease and experimental ‘medicine’.
- High stress environment: continually being shot at, attacked and killed.
- Watching friends and allies die regularly.
- Being commanded to kill other humans.
- Seeing horrible and disgusting acts that haunt them for life…if they survive.
Many, too young to know any better, had no idea what they were signing up for. A huge number never to return. Heading unwittingly into a war they had no idea about against an enemy they didn’t know. Wrapped up in the moment, they obediently shot at and killed other humans trying to protect their land.
So much effort and resources, all that pain and hardship, injuries galore, sickness and disease. And death, huge numbers of dead, rotting away in the sun. Tens of thousands of troops on each side died in that 8 months – what was the benefit? There was virtually none.
Of course the wider war protected from enemy take over of our beloved nations – giving us the freedom to live in the manner that we believed was correct. A civilised life and one that looked after the poor and disabled or injured. A life that held good ideals, due to the Biblical understanding that all men were equal and accountable to God.
Over time, the privileges afforded under this system were taken for granted by many, and the sacrifices forgotten. The very reason for our strength and benefits was neglected – high standards, humility and servanthood giving way to selfish pleasures, pride and the expectation of… well everything!
Many living ignorant to the reason that they had so much luxury, criticised the ways and the Author of the very foundation of their culture. Not knowing they were singing their own death warrant in doing so. And not just theirs, but that of their beloved way of life.
Essentially wasting the whole opportunity that was purchased by the sacrifice and death of so many.
This massive waste is true in a deeper realm too: there was someone else who endured much to rescue and protect us. The difference is, He did it willingly, knowing exactly what would happen to Him – and it was horrid.
His name was and is Jesus. He was asked to leave Heaven – and a perfect life with His Father – to save a group of people who hated Him. He was asked to give up all His divine privileges and become One of the humans He created.
To come into the world He created and suffer unspeakable torture, rejection and shameful death. He had to become the very sin He and His Father hated so much.
But this person – this GOD – decided to do it, willingly accepting to suffer and pay the price for our all sin. So that all who believe in Him will have eternal life. He died to pay the price for your and my sin.
All of it. Even the stuff you try to put out of your mind…
If we turn from our sin and trust in Jesus, we can be forgiven completely, given a brand new life and live forever with Him.
Do it today – now – what have you got to loose? You have everything to gain from this great act.
Don’t let this great sacrifice go to waste – it is only you who will suffer. And, only in accepting this great gift can we truly appreciate, make use of and replicate the sacrifice of the Anzacs.
Lord, thankYou that so many have been willing to sacrifice their own lives or security for ours. But more than that – thankYou for sending Your Son to die in our place. We choosey to turn away from our sin and follow Him from now on.
#thankYouJesus