Over the next week, many will don the red poppy over their heart in remembrance of those who served in the military, the RCMP and other agencies. For those who gave their lives in support and protection of others and for the thousands who serve and have served Sovereign and country over the past, we remember their sacrifice of their own lives and their time. We do this so we do not forget the horrors of war and abuse that have occurred. In remembering, we also seek ways to prevent the deadly losses of the past to repeat in the future. I will speak this truth, however; when the memories fade and are forgotten, history tends to repeat and the horrific events of the past are once again realized by the actions of those who do not hold onto the sanctity of life. I do understand that some may not appreciate the harshness of this declaration but I fear that the importance of remembrance is slowly being forgotten. You see, fewer people are taking a time out to stop and truly remember those who sacrificed their lives, both their mortal lives and their daily lives as they set everything to the side in order to come to the aid of others. The less society remembers or ignores the past, the more likely society is to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Let me shift to the messages from the Bible. Jesus came to live amongst us all and to teach us the way of love and compassion over war and destruction. As Peter cut off the ear of the servant, Jesus healed him and claimed;
“Put away your sword, those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?” Matt 28:52-54 NLT
Many tend to forget the part where Jesus healed and asked compassion on those who came to persecute Him. Many more have forgotten the sacrifice He made on our behalf so that we would not know the pain and suffering associated with death. Jesus promised us before He left that He was going to prepare a place for us, a place in Heaven where we would no longer know pain, sorrow or evil. The world has lost faith in this message and doomed itself to repeat the errors of the past when the needs of self overshadowed the compassion and love for others that Jesus taught us. We will remember them, the motto of the Royal Canadian Legion. Our battle cry of the faith family should be “We Will Remember Him”. Love God with every ounce of your being and love all others around you as you are loved by the Creator.
This week, we gather on the Sunday before Remembrance Day and will take a few moments to remember those who have passed in service to our nation and our Sovereign and Pastor Todd will reflect on the sacrifice made by our Lord and Saviour centuries ago so we can live with the assurance of a future without pain and oppression, plus an eternity filled with love and fellowship with the Father. Please plan to join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms ), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.
Blessings,
Opmerkingen