by Annie Yorty ©2022

What were (are) you doing as a teenager? I served ice cream at Dairy Queen, played sports, and blared LOUD rock ‘n roll music in my beat-up 1970 Ford Pinto. I wasn’t thinking much about honoring those who sacrificed.

Were you fighting in a war for your country at age fifteen? Going to officer’s school at twenty? Sacrificing your life for others at age twenty-two? When I read the stories of Salvo d’Acquisto and other young people from past generations, I shake my head at how little maturity we expect of our teens and young adults in America today. But that’s a subject to ponder another time.

Most celebrate Memorial Day as the kickoff of summer. We almost forget that we should be honoring those who sacrificed and died in our nation’s wars.

But God values those who sacrifice their lives for others.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13 NLT).

How much more remarkable is laying down your life for an unknown person, or even an enemy?

That’s exactly what Jesus did.

For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son (Romans 5:10 NLT).

Salvo d’Acquisto

At the tender age of twenty-two, Salvo d’Acquisto sacrificed his life for twenty-two local residents of a town where he was temporarily stationed as police commander. The innocents were caught in the German crosshairs. Angry at the death of one of their own, the Germans demanded that a perpetrator be produced, or the prisoners would be executed. D’Acquisto falsely confessed responsibility for the death, causing retribution to fall solely on him. As a result, the Germans released the locals and shot d’Acquisto in their place.

Our Response to Those Who Sacrificed

How does one respond when someone sacrifices their life to save them? Naturally, the word “gratitude” leaps to mind. The people saved by d’Acquisto’s heroism also repeated his story far and wide. Paul suggested joy should characterize our attitude.

So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God (Romans 5:11 NLT).

Imitation is another appropriate response.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God (Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT).

I hope you’re never called to die for another human being. But always remember that Jesus has died for you.

This Memorial Day, how will you be honoring those who sacrificed so we in America may enjoy freedom?

There’s an even bigger question.

What can we sacrifice as an offering to God in response to receiving salvation and eternal life through Jesus?

It might be our time, money, or possessions. Believe it or not, those are the easy things. Often, we also offer our agenda, rights, expectations, individuality, and even more. We are called to empty ourselves, just as Jesus did (Philippians 2:7).

Emptying ourselves can sometimes feel painful, but Jesus makes a promise that He will fill us with something far better.

My [Jesus’] purpose is to give them [you and me] a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10b NLT).

Let’s remember together and honor those who sacrificed on this Memorial Day.

Join the conversation:

How can we honor Jesus’ death and resurrection in our lives every day?

I welcome your comments!

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Here is a preview to my guest blog at Living by Design. Click the link below to read the full article.

I huddled in my seat on the frigid bus, face turned toward the window, sobbing quietly.

My team and I had just left a Siberian rehab center.

To call it a center, though, gave it far too much credit.

Click Here to Read the Full Article