Devotional - May 31, 2004

The text in John is the last time we will experience the crucifixion of Christ in our Read the Bible Through in 2004 Plan. It's interesting that the last red words of Jesus before dying were, "Tetelestai," or "It is finished."

In Greek, the root of the word "finish" is "Teleo," meaning to bring to an end. The meaning of his statement could be interpreted this way: "It's done! There's nothing else that needs to be done in order to provide salvation to men. My life is complete. I've done what needed to be done so through me others can have life eternal.

The crucifixion of Jesus is documented history. Through Scripture, we remember His life, death and resurrection but sadly we live like we want to forget it. Still, if we love Him we want to tell others so together, we can help people remember. God's love is proclaimed from generation to generation through those whose lives have been changed by Jesus' selfless act.

Today is Memorial Day, a day set aside by Americans to remember those who made a personal sacrifice for our well being. Some of them gave everything as their very blood was shed on the field of battle. Others surrendered their personal plans to do what was asked of them, many times not wanting to do it, but doing it anyway - for love of God and country.

On this Memorial Day, I submit the following poem as a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for my liberty:

Many are the faithful who heard the appeal to go fight.
Some brave, some fearful, all willing; ready to die for what's right.
How great such love displayed through a last fleeting breath,
With each life lost in battle, someone is born through their death.

I'm grateful to God for such service; death surely paid freedom's price.
Liberty purchased by a selfless act, the cost of that love was a life.
One life given so others might live; no greater love can we see.
Thank God for the faithful ones whose loss purchased my liberty.

Sin like a dark deadly cloud of desperation, moves upon Calvary's hill.
One man called to stand in the gap 'tween God and the forces of hell.
A faithful servant standing alone struggles with each earthly breath
Trusted His Father to honor His word in anguish and pain of death.

With arms extended to God and man, a bridge was made between the two.
Giving His life for sin's deadly curse, He faced it for me and for you.
One life given so others might live; no greater love have I seen.
Thank You God for sending Your Son whose blood purchased my liberty.

In Memorial
JG - June 9, 1993

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru (2Sa. 17:1-29 Jn. 19:23-42 Ps. 119:132-155 Pr. 16:12-13 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society