“Some gave all” came to mind as a friend shared about his flight from Florida to New York. They were delayed at takeoff, and once they landed and pulled up to the terminal gate, the flight attendant announced they had carried a fallen soldier home. The plane grew quiet, and there was total silence in the terminal despite the 100 people that gathered by the windows to witness the casket of the fallen soldier being brought home. My friend’s first thought was, “Suddenly what matters most hits you.”
Is what matters most how much money we have?
Is the next fun event on our schedule what matters most?
Does it matter if our house is in tip-top shape?
Or are what matters most how we respect others, take time to listen to someone, or offer a lending hand to someone in physical need?
I couldn’t help but think how fitting that Memorial Day was only three days earlier, even wondering if the soldier died that day. We often hear the saying, “All gave some, some gave all,” referring to our military who put their lives on the line. This soldier indeed “gave all.” At times like this, I think we all respect, honor, and have gratitude for those in the military. What sacrifices they and their families make to serve our country and protect the freedom our forefathers have passed on to us.
Thinking of this fallen soldier also made me think how Jesus too “gave all” for each one of us.
Yet, Christ paid the full price to set us free from the curse of the law. He absorbed the curse completely as he became a curse in our place. For it is written: “Everyone who is hung upon a tree is cursed.” Jesus Christ dissolved the curse from our lives, so that in him all the blessings of Abraham can be poured out upon gentiles. And now through faith we receive the promised Holy Spirit who lives in us. –Galatians 3:13-14 (TPT)
Jesus gave His all for each one of us! He knew His sacrifice of dying on the cross was the only way to ensure our freedom from our sin—the only way we could spend eternity in heaven with God and Him. As hard as the suffering was that He had to endure, Jesus was willing to pay that price. What a gift it is that we now have the gift of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us and guides our path while on this earth.
Photo courtesy of Lewis_Satini under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)
Do we have the same respect for Jesus as we do for our military?
Do we honor Jesus with reverence for being our Savior?
Do we take time to be still with Jesus?
Do our hearts overflow with gratitude for Jesus giving His all for us?
Be encouraged this week to…
… reflect on what really matters in life.
… thank a service member for their sacrifice.
… share with Jesus the gratitude you have for His paying the price for your salvation.
… show Jesus great respect for His sacrifice.
REFLECTION:
What do you need to focus on more in life?
How can you show honor to Jesus for His sacrifice?
Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. –Hebrews 13:15-16 (NLT)
Note: I will take a week or two off to spend time with my family. Feel free to check back and read a reflection at any time!
