Memorial Day is a special day.

It’s important to take some time out of our lives to give thanks to the brave men and women who have risked their lives and sacrificed so much to protect us and to ensure our freedom.  Today we especially honor and remember those who have made the greatest sacrifice of all, giving their lives for our freedom.

On Memorial Day, though, I am always reminded of an even greater sacrifice.  I’m reminded of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who sacrificed His life on the cross.  He died, not to serve one country, but to pay for the sins of the world.  He died, not for political freedom, but to free us from sin and hell.  He won the victory, not against a nation, but against death and the grave.

By sacrificing His life on the cross for us, Jesus won the free gift of eternal life for all who cry out to Him for salvation.

Today, as we remember those who died serving our country, we should also remind others of Jesus Christ, who died to give us life.

Former major leaguer (and current minor leaguer) Daniel Nava put it this way in an interview with Rob Maadi for the Faith on the Field Show:

“A lot of us athletes look towards the military men and say those are the people who sacrificed the most for us.  But then Jesus sacrificed everything for us.  And He knew He was going to die and He still chose to do it.  Those who serve our country – I mean I have the utmost respect for them – they’re willing to lay their lives down for us.  In a similar fashion, but obviously Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice.”

If you would like to read more about Nava’s story and his faith, you can read more about him in this blog’s previous post.