John 15:13
[Jesus said] No one has greater love than this: that someone lays down his life for his friends.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Today is Memorial Day in the United States, a day when we celebrate and remember those who died defending their fellow citizens. As Jesus said, “No greater love than this: that someone lays down his life for his friends.” We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for others. We express our gratitude not only to the servicemen and women who died while defending us, but we also ask that You bless the families who allowed their loved ones to go into harm’s way while supporting dangerous missions.
We also thank You for allowing Your Son to enter harm’s way for us. Jesus came to this world to conquer sin, death, and the devil so that we would have freedom from our sins, peace in our earthly deaths, and the assurance that Satan no longer holds any power over us. Jesus willingly gave His life, suffering on the cross to make the ultimate sacrifice—His life for ours—and took all our sins to that cursed tree—the cross—so that we may have life. We pray that we never take for granted the price He paid for our freedom from sin and death. Jesus’ precious holy blood saved us and has made Your heavenly home a gift for all who believe in Him. Remarkably, Jesus did this while we were His enemies, not friends; we were ensnared in our sins.
We pray that You would enable us to share the love You have for all people with those who do not yet know or believe, so that they may come to faith in Your Son and have everlasting life. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
We may never fully comprehend God’s love for us, but sometimes we observe others whose sacrifices offer us a glimpse of His eternal, holy, and perfect love.