My father fought in WWII in the European theater. Many of the men who went over with him didn’t come back with him. I never heard him talk about the worst of his experiences during the war, though I know he saw great tragedy. This poem was written as a tribute to thank those who have died in service to their country.
If someone asked me what the greatest sacrifice is, I would have to save giving up my life. The most valuable thing we have is life, and what would be worth trading it for? Would you willingly give because you love? Jesus gave up his life in trade so that I can walk free and have direct relationship with God the Father, instead of the wrath, destruction and death I deserve. Jesus said,
“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 10:18 ESV)
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13 ESV)
My freedom is a gift with the ultimate price tag, sacrificial love. You are loved that deeply.
Tribute
There is no greater love
Of one man for another
But that he sacrifice his life
To save that of his brother
This is what you’ve done
You went to war and fought
To hold on to my freedom
Your death became the cost
You followed the example
Of one who went before you
He also died to set me free
And I’ll be free forever
Now you walk together
Along streets of gold
And when I get to heaven
Please come let me hold you
Throw my arms around your neck
To thank you for your bravery
There is no greater love
Than what you’ve given me
Gracious Heavenly Father, the Yaweh Sabaoth, ruler over all hosts of heaven and of earth, you have overcome pride with humility, sin with righteousness and death with forever life. Now, I live under your loving kindness free from guilt and shame. There is no more condemnation, because you stand in my place. How do I tell you how much that means to me? Understand and know my heart, Lord, because I can’t find the words that say it best. I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude. I thank you in the name of the one who gave it all for me, Jesus, according to your good and perfect will. Amen.