Prime Minister Winston Churchill was honoring members of the Royal Air Force who had defended Britain during World War II. Recounting their brave service, he declared, "Never in the history of mankind have so many owed so much to so few."
A similar sentiment appears on a memorial plaque in Bastogne, Belgium, where raged the famous Battle of the Bulge, one of the bloodiest conflict of the Second World War. The inscription, in honor of the US 101st Airborne Division, reads: "Seldom has so much American blood been shed in the course of a single action. Oh, Lord, help us to remember!"
Those are fitting and well-deserved tributes to the courageous men and women who sacrificed so much for their country.
As I think about them, I also remember the One whose selfless sacrifice resulted in benefits for people of all nations. Jesus Christ, the sinless One, died on a cross and shed His blood to pay the penalty for our sins. In so doing, He guaranteed our freedom – freedom from the penalty, power, and someday even the presence of sin. Of Jesus it can be said: Never in the history of mankind have so many owed so much to one Man. Yes, His was the greatest sacrifice.
Lord, help us to remember! – Richard De Haan
‘Twas not a marty’s death He died,
The Christ of Calvary;
It was a willing sacrifice
He made for you – for me. – Adams
READ: John 19:1-8
The memory of Jesus’s death calls us to a life of praise.
The Bible in one year:
• 2 Chronicles 13-14
• John 12:1-26