‘Worth fighting and dying for’
If you watched the news or scrolled through social media at all yesterday, you know that it was the 80th anniversary of D-Day. And if you know much about history at all, you know that on June 6, 1944, the Allies launched the largest amphibious invasion in human history on the northern coast of German-occupied France. It was one of the bloodiest battles ever for the Allied forces, with tens of thousands killed and injured. For our generation, the horrific realities of that battle were brought to life in the opening scenes of the movie Saving Private Ryan.
Several of the dwindling number of D-Day veterans traveled back to Normandy this week to commemorate that fateful day, many of whom were over 100 years old. I saw one report about a veteran who was 102 who passed away on the trip over. I also read that approximately a hundred World War II veterans die every day in America, so I am guessing that there won't be many more of these D-Day remembrance events with veterans present.
Following the tradition of past American presidents, president Joe Biden made the trip to France to commemorate the big 80th anniversary, and was part of a ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery, joined by the French president and the British and Canadian prime ministers. In his speech, Biden shared, "The men who fought here became heroes, not because they were the strongest or toughest or fiercest, although they were, but because they were given an audacious mission, knowing, every one of them knew, the probability of dying was real. But they did it anyway. They knew, beyond any doubt, there are things that are worth fighting and dying for. Freedom is worth it. Democracy is worth it. America is worth it. The world is worth it. Then, now and always."
My social media feeds were full of D-Day photos and reflections and "thank you" posts yesterday. That may say more about who I follow, and the algorithms that appeal to my own interests, but at least for a day, I was encouraged at the displays of patriotism and gratitude. We don't see much of either in our world these days. Watching 4,000 French students at an event in Normandy give the veterans in attendance a long and rousing standing ovation was inspiring and gave me a little more hope for the next generation.
We have watched several documentaries and extended news reports this week, hearing the first-hand stories from those now elderly men who were young and brave when they stormed the beaches of France 80 years ago. It's not hard to understand why they have been called "the greatest generation."
For our parents and grandparents, D-Day was one of the most significant days of their lifetime. More than anything, it was the turning point of the European war against Hitler's forces. In fact, many considered D-Day "where the war was won." The problem was, it took another 337 days of fighting, and thousands more lives lost, before Germany finally surrendered on May 7, 1945. The next day, May 8, was declared V-E Day, to celebrate the victory in Europe.
I remember having to read a book in seminary by Oscar Cullmann--Christ and Time--where the author used the analogy of World War II to illustrate the Christian life. Cullmann proposed that we as Christ-followers are living "between D-Day and V-Day." I didn't really understand it then, both because I wasn't that familiar with the military history of World War II and because I didn't have a grasp of the warfare that comes in living the Christian life. I understand both a little better now.
Cullmann's point was surely more familiar to those of his generation who lived the agony, and the victory, of a world war. But with yesterday's momentous anniversary of the famous Normandy invasion, I am reminded of the truth he stated all the more.
So, what's the point for us as Christians? Jesus Christ "decided" our final outcome 2,000 years ago on the cross. That victory is assured, and secured for us, because of His sacrifice on that "D-Day" at Calvary. Yet, we still must face our share of spiritual battles--many of which we lose--as we await V-Day, when our Lord will return and receive us into Himself, forever to live in His peace.
So, hang in there as you faithfully "fight the good fight." There are some things that are "worth fighting and dying for," and besides, we already know the outcome, even if sometimes the battle gets fierce. We win!
I'm praying for you, as I hope you are for me, and I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
--Pastor Ken
