‘Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends’ (John 15:13).   Jesus’ words have particular resonance this April. April’s first weekend, we remembered with a public holiday how Jesus himself, lovingly laid down his life for the world.  This final weekend, we remember with another public holiday how soldiers past & present laid down their lives for the nation.   Both sacrifices should be remembered & honoured – because great love is worthy of reminders & honour.   

This weekend, remember what’s great about ANZAC Day. Those who’ve served & fought on our behalf have done us a great service.  It’s not surprising that the words of John 15v13 are inscribed on the tomb of the ‘Unknown Soldier’ in Canberra.  It’s been said that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.  In Australia, we enjoy great blessings, great comfort & great freedom. These are both the gift of God, & the gift of those who’ve served in our Armed forces.  We have been, & still are, ably served by men & women.  Even if they don’t give the ultimate sacrifice, they give years in service of their ‘friends’.   Australia has done this not just for our own freedom – but also the freedom of others.  Even in times of peace, we’ve sent troops to assist in places of crisis & need. 

It is right that this weekend, we join with the nation & honour the fallen – lest we forget. It is right we give thanks & pray for the Armed forces.  As one model prayer captures it: 

God of love and liberty, 
We bring our thanks today for the peace and security we enjoy, 
We remember those who in time of war faithfully service their country. 
We pray for their families, and for ourselves whose freedom was won at such a cost. 
Make us a people zealous for peace, and hasten that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation neither learn war any more. 
This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world: 
Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen. 

We look on this weekend shaped by Easter weekend.  We remember what’s greater than ANZAC Day.  We remember God who laid down his life for His enemies.  ANZAC Day has become in Australian society something of an alternative religion. Webster’s dictionary defines a religion as: ‘a cause, principle, system of tenets held with ardour, devotion, conscientiousness and faith, a value held to be of supreme importance. A quality, condition, custom, or thing inspiring zealous devotion, conscientious maintenance and cherishing’.  The growing crowds of all ages at ANZAC services show that the rituals, music & mythology of ANZAC strike a chord with our nation.  While it is right to honour the sacrifices of the fallen – there is something lacking in exalting the nation with little mention of God; suggesting a salvation by great deeds apart from relationship with Christ; or love for just the ‘worthy compatriots’.   

As we remember ANZAC Day, we must remember it within the context of Easter’s greater sacrifice. Christ laid down his life not just for friends – but for enemies. How much more should we remember & honour that sacrifice!  ‘Lest we forget Gethsemane.  Lest we forget Christ’s agony.  Lest we forget His love.  Lest we forget His victory.  Lead us to Calvary.’ 

In Him 

Mark Smith (Senior Minister)