Veteran's Day
Isaiah 53 |
In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington D.C., became the focal point of reverence for America's veterans.
Years later, realizing that peace was equally preserved by veterans of WWII and Korea, Congress was requested to make this day an occasion to honor those who have served America in all wars. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.
On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American soldiers were brought from overseas and interred in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of WWI. One was killed in WWII, the other in the Korean War. In 1984m an unknown serviceman from Vietnam was placed alongside the others.
As we remember those who have died protecting our freedoms, our message today will have a Veterans' Day theme. At the same time we will explore what it means to be a member of the army of God - soldiers of the cross.
As an obedient soldier, Jesus put Himself in harm's way. He endured pain and suffering for the benefit of others. "Surely, He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed."