We have just observed the Easter season, followed by Anzac Day. Both commemorate suffering and sacrifice. The Bible says, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
Here in Australia, we honour those who have gone to battle on our behalf. Their sacrifice is commemorated every year as we gather at Shrines and Remembrance ceremonies. We as Australians are grateful for those who fought to keep our nation free, to live and work and worship as we choose. Our Constitution tells us we have freedom of speech, expression and religious belief. We are free to vote and to elect a government to represent the people. The original Anzacs fought for “God, King and Country”, but it seems to me that these days, people are more concerned about their personal freedoms than the overall good of the country, or that there is something greater to fight for, to live for – or, yes, even to die for. As the elections draw near, I pray that these things will be considered as you go to the polls. Let us pray to be “Godly and quietly governed”, with a government who will stand for righteousness, for “righteousness upholds a nation.”
We also celebrated Easter – a time to reflect and rejoice in the greatest sacrifice of all – the death of Jesus, the Lamb who died to take away the sins of the world. Jesus’ death and resurrection bought for us the greatest freedom of all – freedom from the power of sin and death. “It is for freedom that Christ has made us free.” Let us live in that freedom, and the power and life of the resurrection. Free to live holy and fruitful lives, representing the Kingdom of Heaven, following and fulfilling Jesus’ commandment to “love one another” and lay our lives down at His feet, surrendered to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Just as we honour the Anzacs who fought for our nation and our freedom, let us honour the one who fought on our behalf to secure our eternal freedom, and give us the victory over sin and death. “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:56-58)
We have the resurrection power of Jesus that not only gives us forgiveness, not only cancels the power of sin over us, but that same power that raised Jesus from the dead transforms us, and gives us the power to live out that changed life for His glory.
In May we also celebrate Mothers’ Day. We honour our mums and wish them not just one happy day – but lives filled with the blessing of God. May they know and be assured of our love, respect and honour every single day. Let us go out of our way to affirm them, honour them, pray for them and show our love to them. May God grant our mothers grace, courage, strength and wisdom to raise our children in godly love and nurture. May they be able to engage in those difficult conversations, lovingly listening and sharing godly perspective with guidance and discipline from His Word, encouraging good thinking, resilience and right behaviour. Like the mothers of Salem, may they be able to bring their children to the feet of Jesus where they can know Him, and receive Him, and live lives that would bring honour to Him, and to their parents. We honour our mums and acknowledge their sacrifice on a daily basis – time, finance, sleep and a whole lot of other ways you could only really know if you are a mum.
May God bless our church, our homes, our nation.
With love,
Glenda.