November Challenge: Day 11

Today is Vereran's Day, a salute to those who have served and who are currently serving in the military, and is an opportunity to remember their service and sacrifices for our country. Their service is so much more than just country and includes all of the people that reside in it. Their sacrifice extends beyond their physical services provided in war to include time away from their family and sometimes a greater emotional loss than they could have ever prepared for. I am so very grateful for the men and women who have served our country and who continue to serve. I have many veterans in my family and I have also had the privilege of knowing many more. I can attest to the fact that their sacrifice continues long after the war is over. 

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13 (NIV)

Conflict and war has existed since the beginning of time. There has always been a need or a duty to fight, to protect, and to preserve what a person feels rightfully belongs to them. Historically soldiers were soldiers because of their gender, ability, and proximity to war, but as populations grew larger there became a distinction between warriors and average men. War was an act of conquest rather than the protection of rights. Then Jesus laid down His life for the preservation of our lives and the true heart of a solider was born. Jesus sacrificed His perfect life for a life that wasn't perfect, that in  countless ways was unworthy, and shouldn't have been preserved. In His death He didn't just die for His friends, but for His enemies too, as well as for all of the people who didn't know Him. His death wasn't a conquest for sake of conquest, but a sacrifice committed by a pure heart, a heart that deeply loved us. Today's soldiers have this same heart. How do I know?

At one point in our history there was a draft and young men were required to serve their country. Of course there was a real and pressing need as our country saw war after war, but that need didn't last forever. There came a point when the draft was removed and young men had to decide their future based on their own hearts rather than the will of a nation. The men who entered into the military did so well aware of the high stakes of war and continued to enter anyways. They didn't do this for country. I love my country, but I wouldn't sacrifice my life to keep it alive. They did it for the people in the country. I would gladly sacrifice my life to preserve the life of a friend. Our country isn't perfect, but within it lies the foundation for a wonderful life for the people we love. That life is worth protecting. Jesus didn't die for the country of Israel, but for the people that made up the nation. Our soldiers aren't honored because they fight for America, but because in every act of service they fight for the people that make up America. They fight for those they love, for those they hate, and for those people they don't know. The men and women of the military willingly lay down their own lives for the lives of others, that includes you and me.

War is a tense topic of discussion. It elicits fear and anger. It also elicits pride. There is a belief among some that war is completely unnecessary while others believe war is a decisive move in the quest for victory. There are still others who understand the merits of war, but also understand the need to strive for peace and diplomacy. Regardless of your own personal views on war, I believe it is important to recognize the intent of the soldiers and to thank them for their willingness to sacrifice based on that intent. The men and women of our military are filled with a love so great that they would risk life and limb to protect those they love, the people of this country. 

Today I am so very thankful for their willingness to sacrifice it all for me and my loved ones. What are you thankful for today?

The Trials of Jesus Christ

Yesterday, Jesus was betrayed, arrested, and abandoned by His friends, even Peter, who promised to stay with Him always. Today, He will face six trials and ultimately be persecuted by the very same people who celebrated His arrival on Sunday.

The first trial is before Annas and happens in the night time hours (early morning). Annas is looking for an accusation, ultimately biding time until Sanhedrin is gathered at High Priestly villa. The second trial, the primary trial, is before Sanhedrin and Jesus is condemned, misused. The third trial happened immediately at dawn. Peter denies Jesus a third time, Jesus looks upon him, and the rooster crows 3 times. The condemnation is repeated and Jesus is taken to the Romans. The fourth trial is before Pilate, but finding Jesus without fault, he sends him to Herod to be dealt with. The fifth trial is before Herod, who sends Jesus back to Pilate. The sixth and final trial is before Pilate. Pilate's wife is plagued by a dream about Jesus and tells Pilate not to have involvement in His death. Jesus is scourged. Pilate gives the people an option and a way out, thinking the people are just jealous of Jesus. Pilate offers the people Barabbas, a convicted murder, or Jesus to be released as part of their celebration. The crowd cries out, "Crucify Him or we will tell Rome!" Pilate is unable to reason with the people and fears a riot. Jesus is turned over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus, making Him a crown of thorns. Meanwhile, plagued with guilt, Judas hangs himself.

The time has come. Jesus bears His cross to the gate on the north of the city and is crucified around 9 am. Nailed to the cross, Jesus is mocked again and again. The people cry out to Jesus, asking Him, "Where is your God to save you?" This might be hard to imagine, but Jesus was on the cross by choice and as the people mocked Him, He could have chosen to leave then, to not provide salvation through His death. Instead He prayed, "Father, forgive them. They do not know what they have done." On either side of Jesus were prisoners, one joined the crowd mocking Jesus and the other recognized Jesus for what He was, to this prisoner Jesus said, "Today, you will be with me in paradise." Mary, Jesus' mother is there, and it must have been awful watching her son hang on that cross, not truly understanding why He was there. Jesus sees His mother, recognizes her pain, and tells her, "Woman, behold thy son...", giving her a new son in the form of His disciple.

Darkness falls, even though it is noon, and remains until 3 pm. God's back is turned on His son as the sin of the people is cast on Him upon the cross. Jesus cries out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" The people continue to mock Him, challenging His God to save Him, and wait to see what will happen. Jesus speaks again, "I thirst," and someone offers him a sponge soaked in vinegar. Then it is time and Jesus gives up His spirit, "It is finished." Around 3 pm, after Jesus gives up His spirit, the veil of the temple is torn. The people can now have free access to God and they no longer have to rely on the priests. Some graves are opened and the people rise (to mortality) and go into the city. As the evening goes on, the soldiers become impatient waiting for the prisoners to die. The soldiers pierce Jesus' side, but He was already dead. The Passover lambs are slain in the temple and Jesus is buried at sundown.

Now, Jesus was dead, but the Pharisees still feared Him and convinced Pilate to have guards in front of His tomb, lest His disciples were to steal His body in the middle of the night. This request is funny to me because His disciples were distraught at Jesus' death and were not likely to think of, let alone execute, a body snatch. The tomb of Jesus is sealed and the people continue on to their homes. For many this is the end, but we have the benefit of knowing Jesus' death on the cross isn't the end.