Because of You, Unknown Soldier
By Courtney Tanabe
Because of you, I am here;
Because of you, I am able to live freely.
Yet, I do not know you,
And I have not done anything for you;
But there you stand, ready to fight,
And there you are, prepared to die for me.
You’ve fought before,
And you’ll fight again
For someone you don’t know.
So thank you, Unknown Soldier
For fighting for me.
I’m here because of you,
And I owe my future to you.
Though this poem is in honor of our veterans, it can easily apply to God. God fights for the cause of righteousness, of purity, of holiness, of goodness, of kindness, of forgiveness and of peace. God will defend us, protect us, discipline us, correct us, rescue us, teach us, instruct us, care for us, heal us, reward us, bless us, comfort us, keep track of us and, of course, always love us.
The Holy Spirit is our Unknown Soldier who engages in spiritual warfare in guarding against evil influences and worldly temptation. Our weapon is prayer, our ammunition is the Holy Bible, and our mission is to continue to serve, to give, to do, and to be a witness of the Gospel of Christ to all.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:16)
To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. (Proverbs 21:3)
Memorial Day honors those who served and risked their lives for the sake of another’s wellbeing. What better example of true discipleship is there than to give of yourself for the sake of another?
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. You are my friends. (John 15:12-13)
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)
God says, “I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as Lord. When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue them and honor them. I will reward them with long life; I will save them.” (Psalm 91:14-16)
Pastor Mark