We celebrate Veterans Day this weekend, as the election results continue to roll in. I’ve always liked how Veterans Day is so close to our elections. After all, our freedoms come through their sacrifice. But this year, I’m struck by the range of my emotions.
My chest swells with honor for those who, like my own Grandpa, fought to defend the freedoms I live in each and every day. I’m reminded that freedom isn’t free. To every retired and active member of our armed forces we say from deeply grateful hearts, “Thank you for your service!” I’m full of gratitude.
At the same time, I’m sorrowful over how bitterly divided our country is. I grieve the moral decay of our culture. I mourn the loss of decency in our public discourse. I lament the countless lives that continue to be lost through abortion. I weep the mistreatment of the poor and the injustice that too often marks our land. I’m distressed over the sexual confusion that continues to be pushed unabated upon our children. I’m full of sorrow.
And yet, I’m also deeply hopeful. In the darkness the light shines the brightest. Jesus is King. We are His people. The Gospel is the hope of the world. Our citizenship is in Heaven, and we await a Savior from there. Even now, God’s Holy Spirit is in the world convicting of sin, righteousness, and judgment. And we bear witness to the crucified, risen, and soon returning King who will set all things to rights. I’m full of hope.
So let’s celebrate Veterans Day with thanks. Let’s pray for our land with tears. And let’s keep our eyes joyously fixed on Jesus.
Because it is in Him that we are loved, more than we know!
