Today we stop to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served in the military to protect and defend the freedoms that we enjoy. It was on November 11, 1918, that the First World War—the “war to end all wars”—reached its conclusion. This day was set aside to honor those who fought in what was then the greatest conflict the world had ever seen. As further conflicts have followed, proving that war has not ended, honor for veterans of other wars has been added to the observance of this day.
The failure of the treaties drawn by men to bring about lasting peace and the continued drumbeat of conflict and war highlight the truth for us that God is the only source of peace, and the only true defense for any nation. Though we may have impressive military might, apart from God’s hand it can quickly be brought to nothing.
To those who, as our national anthem put it, placed their lives “between their loved homes and the war’s desolation,” we owe a debt of gratitude. To God who is our hope of peace, we should not only give thanks, but also pray. Though many in our land have turned away from Him and snub His Word and His law, we should thank Him for the thousands of righteous people who love and honor God. We should pray today for His protection and peace.— Give thanks for those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom, and pray to God that He will be our sure defense.–Dr. Paul Chappell
