Inspire

The Ultimate Sacrifice adapted from Clint Lombard

This week, the morning light gathered to the strains of Reveille on another ANZAC Day, as we gathered to remember the fallen and honour their sacrifice for our peace and freedom.

I’ve experienced Rememberance Day events in South Africa and England, but there is something quite unique about the sense of identity and solidarity that accompanies the Australian commemorations of ANZAC Day. This year is a special year, as it marks one hundred years since the end of the Great War in which the original Anzacs served.

Often in ANZAC Day services, the following verses from the Bible will be read:

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13 (ESV)

It’s true that giving your life for those you love is the ultimate sacrifice. There is no more that someone can give. Australia’s birth as a nation is largely built on the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in the spirit of courage, endurance, mateship, and indeed, sacrifice.

These words of Jesus are appropriate for an occasion like ANZAC Day, where we are also reminded of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus gave for us so that we can have eternal life.

Submitted by Armin Mayer