Lest we forget

No sooner have we “finished” Easter than we are encountering ANZAC Day. For many decades I have been astonished by how many people of all ages attend ANZAC Day services. I used to lead them when I was the Minister in the Quirindi Parish, and then I led them at Broadwater Court when I was serving in Kincumber. In Aged Care we held an ANZAC service in each Home. In Turramurra we were blessed to have some Knox boys come and play the bagpipes.

In more recent times it has become customary to have an ANZAC Commemoration. Some Commemoration services have removed Bible readings and Prayers (including the Lord’s Prayer), and the “Message” is not given by a Minister. I personally find that sad. What upsets me most is that by removing Scripture we have lost the one verse that binds both Easter and ANZAC Day together (John 15:13):

 ⁹ ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹² My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command. 

It is right that we remember those who laid down their lives in service of “God, King and Country”. However, it is only Jesus’ death for us all – laying down His life for His friends as well as for His enemies – that ultimately bears eternal fruit. The Resurrection of Jesus demonstrates that death is not the end, that hope can never be quenched, and that despair can turn into joy. Through His life, death and resurrection Jesus gives meaning and purpose to the sacrificial death of every Digger.  

So, just as we say “Lest we forget” on ANZAC Day, may we never forget Jesus: the Risen, Crucified Son of God, our Saviour and Lord.

With eternal hope and joy,

Rev. Frank (Van Der Korput), Supply Minister