I’ve been watching a lot of television lately. I’m at the age of “BINGING,” which means, I have history at my fingertips. Finding that many of the series with episodes that would fill a huge tome of stories, I’ve found many historical dramas depicting formation of a civilization – wars – good vs. evil – politics and power. Wars have been around since sin entered the world. With each one, the death toll may rise or fall, but each battle leaves scars for those surviving, the families left without a loved one and the trauma that faces those involved.

One of the first recorded wars in the Bible occurs in Genesis 14. The Battle of the Kings involved Abram (Abraham) and the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. I would imagine that wars had been going on even before this one. Wars are usually the result of the seeking of power and who has the most weaponry. As I binge on those old historical battles, the soldiers were armed with swords, slingshots, bows and arrows and primitive inventions that would allow them to break down doors or scale high walls. Time marches on and the tools of war change. Today, we hear of drone attacks which take out entire cities. Still, there are the warriors who fight those battles. No matter how sophisticated things become, there is still a need for human involvement.

As we approach Memorial Day, I wonder what goes through the mind of a soldier as he/she faces war and conflict. History tells many poignant stories of letters sent home to family. The broken dreams, the hollow victories, the shallow wishes are all shared in words of fear, anger, frustration and even duty. Wars are still fought by human beings. Usually, they begin at the top of the social ladder. Politically, there may be a power struggle or benefits to be gained through leadership. The fighters, those engaged in the battle, the youngest and strongest will lose lives no matter how elite their forces.

Memorial Day is set aside for those who have given their lives for their country. It may seem a noble action but tell that to those who are left behind. The sacrifice these men and women offer is beyond our simple celebrations. When the flags are displayed on Monday of next week, let’s not forget the greatest love mankind can demonstrate for their fellow humans. The cost is more than we can imagine.

Wars come and go. People will shed blood and die because of them. The battle between good and evil will continue. God gives us the greatest victory. He loves us. He sent His own Son to die for us – to be laid in a tomb – to return to life – to return to His heavenly throne – to assure our eternal life with Him. So, we can celebrate Memorial Day, knowing that the war against evil has already been won. We can also honor those who shed their own blood for the love of others. There is no greater love.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!