Freedom costs.

America’s freedom cost our forefathers their lives, their health, their livelihoods.

America’s continued freedom has been preserved by our military members and those who support them. Today, there are about 1.4 million American military members and over 21.8 million veterans.

Today, I met a Viet Nam veteran who teared up as he spoke of his experiences and his buddy who lost his life serving our country. He spoke of the disgust Americans showed him and the shame he experienced when he returned to the United States.

Today, I met generals, enlisted members, and officers. I talked with members of the Marines, Air Force, Army, Navy, Reserves, and Homeland Security. All have a passion for the freedom of America. All have sacrificed for that freedom. The VietNam veteran lives with the loss of a friend and the memories of shame. Other veterans and military members lost time with their families, and they may have lost their health, marriage, and family members.

Cost of Freedom

Freedom cost Jesus everything.

It was for freedom that Jesus emptied Himself of His glory.

It was for freedom that Jesus poured Himself into the flesh of a baby.

It was for freedom that Jesus walked throughout Israel teaching, healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the leper, and giving sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf.

It was for freedom that Jesus allowed the torture of the cat-of-nine-tails.

It was for freedom that Jesus allowed the Romans to nail Him to the cross.

It was for freedom that Jesus endured the shame of the cross.

It was for freedom that Jesus took my sin and your sin upon Himself.

It was for freedom that Jesus conquered death and rose again.

It was for freedom that Jesus sits at the right hand of God and advocates for you and for me.

It was for freedom from the penalty of my sin … and your sin.

It was for freedom to see Jesus as He is and to live with Him forever.

Freedom costs.

Freedom costs everything.

My prayer

Father, thank You for our military members and veterans. Freedom is precious. Thank You for America’s freedom. Thank You for the Christian’s freedom to live with You forever. God, bless our military members, our veterans, and their family members. Bestow us with the knowledge and awareness of how much freedom costs.

Please thank a military member, a veteran, and their families today. 

Please share your memories of your sacrifices as a military member or veteran in the Comment Section.