Today, at this moment, people all over North America - and quite possibly elsewhere - are taking their time to remember all of those who gave their lives for their country's freedom....and us so that we may live in a country where freedom is possible. We're remembering their heroic experiences in fighting for their country; we're remembering the fallen, who gave so much; we're remembering all the heroes who shed blood for their country; we're taking the time to honour those still living long after the war(s) and we're also honouring those who are in service today.As I was having my moment of silence this morning, it occurred to me that we, as Christians, should also see this day as a day of remembrance for all those who have gone before us in the Christian faith. Paul, Stephen, John the Baptist, John the Beloved, Peter, Joshua, Caleb, David, Daniel, Elijah, Elisha...only a few of the heroes of our faith who have gone before us and paved the way for our own freedom in our faith. Yes, we haven't yet gotten to the place where they were yet, and yes, we have had so many mistakes in our past, and there are mistakes we're still making today. Without them, though, we wouldn't have a clue. These people suffered extreme persecution, death, blindness, lions, beheadings, burning oil, giants, stonings, upside down crucifixions, whatever else. There are even countless others that we don't even know about!
And it's not just those in bible times. No, I'm also remembering a certain Rachel Joy Scott, who was one of the victims of the Columbine school shooting who died a martyr for her Christian faith. I'm remembering all the other martyrs that I don't know about who have lived in these present day times and died simply because they chose to put their strength and courage and life into Jesus Christ, their saviour. Our saviour.
All these people have paved the way for how we should be. Sometimes, I think, we are too wrapped up in our lives to fully appreciate the cost that is asked of us. I know I am! We shouldn't be wrapped up in materialistic things. We shouldn't be so wrapped up in what we think others should believe that we don't even take the time to love on the very people around us. Too much is at stake. We, at least I haven't, have never encountered stonings, forced blindness, crucifixions, school shootings, beheadings, burning oil, lions, etc, etc. I hope I never encounter them in the future but you know what? It shouldn't even matter to me if I do [encounter them].
All these wonderful people have showed us what it truly means to follow Christ. They didn't care whether somebody was gay, or black, white, or had leprosy. They just loved them all the same.
Today, on Remembrance Day, not only will I remember those who fought hard for our country, and honour those who are still fighting today, but I will also remember those who have fought hard for our 'freedom' in our Christian faith, and also honour those who are still facing persecution, torture, and death all over the world in our Christian faith, too.