Recently President Trump reminded us that freedom is a gift from God, not a gift from government.

How very true.

On Memorial Day, we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom in the United States: courageous men and women who have answered the call to defend our nation by the power of God. This verse summarizes it well:

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” ~John 15:13.

Memorial Day, a sacred day, is the proof of victory for all Americans. We honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to purchase our national freedom with their blood.

Is it a coincidence that we celebrate the memory of our brave men and women the day following Ascension Sunday? No, for these days have much in common.

Just as the president is our military’s Commander-in-Chief, Jesus is our spiritual Commander-in-Chief.

He proved His rank by living a sinless life and obeying the authority of God the Father.

He fought and won spiritual battles against Satan, such as after fasting forty days in the wilderness.

Obedient even to death on a cross, He purchased our salvation by laying down His life for our freedom from death, hell, and the grave.

Through His death and resurrection, He gave us power to overcome the enemy, Satan, through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

The Word of God, the sword of the Spirit, is our weapon of warfare.

Forty days after His resurrection, He ascended into heaven and took His seat at the right hand of God the Father—the ultimate victory, the battle won.

How do we value freedom? Its cost is priceless—God’s precious gift to us.

As we honor our military today, thankful for the priceless sacrifice of each life, let’s also honor Jesus Christ who gave the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind.