A Soldier as a Symbol of Christ

Jesus voluntarily came from a place of unimagined glory to live among us.  He came intentionally to serve and save an undeserving world.  He entered hostile territory knowing the risk.  A great many people hated Him.  Many of these were Jews, His own people.  He was misunderstood and unappreciated by many, but He served a higher purpose than public approval.  He willingly gave His life for all of these people, those who loved Him and even those who hated Him.

Many of the men and women who serve in the US military are examples of this type of sacrificial giving.  They voluntarily leave the comfort of their homes and families in this country to serve in places far away; places that are uncomfortable and very hostile.  The enemies they face in the arena of combat hate them, but a few of their own people, other Americans, hate them also.  They are sometimes misunderstood and unappreciated, but they serve a higher purpose than public approval.  They willingly risk their lives for those of us who love them dearly and even those who do not.

This analogy, like any other, is not perfect, but I believe it serves as a much needed reminder to all of us of two very important facts.  First, the men and women of our military deserve our thanks, respect, and honor for the great sacrifices they have given, are giving, and will give in the future.  Second, since so many of us have been or will be personally touched by the sacrifice of these brave men and women, it gives us a small taste of the magnitude of what Christ did for all of us on the Cross of Calvary.

Steve Jernigan