An Honour

Recently, I had the honour and privilege to attend a memorial for a Veteran. I know the first thing most will think of is, how is that an honour? Let me explain.

When these men and women sign up with our military, they sign a blank cheque indicating they will follow orders and do what is necessary for their country and to keep the citizens safe from harm.

Again, most will look at this and say “and...?” However, I challenge each of you to think about that for a minute. Recently, we celebrated Easter. In John 15:13, it says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (ESV). Jesus freely gave up his life for everyone so that we will live with him forever. These men and women did the same for people they didn’t even know, so that we, as a country, could live free and safely each and every day.

At the time, 2000 years ago, people likely didn’t consider it an honour to stand on the hill with Jesus. That’s because they couldn’t see the outcome. We, as Canadians and fellow human beings, see the outcome, praise God! We, as Canadians, also see the outcome that these men and women did. How, you say? Well, walk down Bank Street. Any street, for that matter. You have the freedom to do that. I have the freedom to do that. If these men and women hadn’t gone to battle for everyone, what would the outcome be now?

If Jesus hadn’t died for each of us, what a different world we would live in!

~ Elizabeth, Veterans (IVOS) Associate