The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. On this day, at this hour, the hostilities on the Western Front would cease. Although the Treaty of Versailles would not be signed until the following summer, November 11, 1918 signaled that the Great War (what we know as World War I) was coming to a close. Hostilities were ending and peace was coming. Subsequently, the day became known as Armistice Day. Throughout the western world, nations not only celebrated peace, but also remembered the sacrifice it took to secure it. In 1954, Dwight Eisenhower changed the name to Veteran’s Day. Since then, we have said thanks to all the men and women who keep us free. And, I add my sincere thanks to the chorus of countless others today.
It’s worth remembering that in every area of life, it takes sacrifice to secure peace. What is true in the geo-political world is also true in the spiritual. The Apostle Paul says, “Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, HCSB). He goes on to add, “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, HCSB)! In other words, in our natural state, you and I live in hostility towards God. Our lives openly demonstrate our warfare. Our defiance may be subtle. It may be extreme. It may fall somewhere in between, but it is there nonetheless. Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself so we could have peace with God. He made it possible for the hostility to end and for hope to prevail. His sacrifice makes peace possible. It’s almost eleven. Will you share in the peace that Jesus offers?
Jesus makes it possible for us to have peace.
Husband, Father, Pastor, and Christ-follower. Thankful for the life, family, and ministry that God has given to me.
