Many stories have been shared this past weekend of the heroics of our men and women in uniform who gave their lives to protect our nation. Jim Dennison shared a story originally shared by Chuck Colson of a soldier by the name of James Caudill, who fought in World War II.
In February 1945, an eighteen-year-old sergeant by the name of Joseph George was stationed in France and was assigned an evening patrol. His friend, James Caudill, who was twice his age, volunteered to take his place. He told him, “You’re young. Go home. Get married. Live a full, rich life.” Then Private Caudill went out on patrol.
A few hours later, a German sniper killed him.
Sergeant George returned home safely. He married and had five sons. One of his sons is Princeton Professor, Robert George, who was identified by the New York Times as “this country’s most influential conservative thinker.” Dr. George and his brothers grew up knowing that their father lived because a friend died in his place.
We do not know the outcome that our sacrifice might have on other people, or even the nation. We do know that our nation has been built on the sacrifice of so many. We also know that we are called to serve in the character and spirit of Christ, even laying down our lives for others. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13, NKJ).
As we ponder the sacrifice made by so many that offered their lives for our protection and freedom, may we never lose sight of the cross. The ultimate sacrifice made for the world was the Son of God who died for the sins of the world. The Bible declares, “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins – and not only our sins, but the sins of all the world” (I John 2:2, NLT).
The sacrifice of Jesus was based on love. Our value should never be based on what the world thinks about us, but on the extent that God would go to save us. You are greatly loved of God, and the cross of Jesus proves it. The Scripture states, “This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (I John 4:10, NLT).
The sacrifice of Jesus is perfect and complete. No other sacrifice need ever be made for the souls of men. When the sinless Son of God offered His life, the sacrifice He made was good forever. Speaking of His sacrifice, the author of Hebrews says, “For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 10:14, NLT).
The cross says that God loves you. The cross says you can be forgiven. The cross says that God would rather die than to live without you.