by Desiree Bustamante

You are truly free because of Christ’s sacrifice.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.”
Ephesians 1:6-7 New Living Translation

Today we honor the more than 1.3 million Americans in the US military who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for our freedom.

These men and women died defending something they dearly believed in—freedom. Freedom to choose where to live and work, freedom to vote, freedom to worship. Many families had immigrated to the United States from countries where those freedoms did not exist and may have been dangerous if pursued.

Their faith in the promises this country made through its constitution kept them strong through many battles. And though they fought to keep the freedom they experienced here, many died never knowing if those efforts were successful. Yet many trusted God to give them strength each day they served and victory in the battles they faced. They are now experiencing the ultimate freedom in heaven with Him.

As we pay tribute to those who have died, let’s also remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us. He willingly gave up His life so we might be free no matter how many battles we fight in our lives. Our faith in Jesus and His eternal, unconditional love for us was made possible through the victory of the war over Satan and death. We are free because He fought to overcome sin and won.

As we thank God today for each of those men and women whose sacrifice kept us free, let our lives be a beacon of hope for any of those enslaved by sin so others might find the freedom we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado