Today Americans celebrate Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day. Veterans Day honors the ending of World War 1 and calls us to reconfirm our commitment to peace. On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour major hostilities in World War 1 ended. Yesterday many churches read the names of the fallen, played the songs of each branch of military service and sang the hymn “God Bless America.”
The first book of the New Testament opens with a genealogy of Jesus, “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.” Jesus’ rank, Messiah, and branch of service is noted. He fulfills prophesies given Abraham and David. Most of the names in the genealogy are unknown to most people who groan when they come to a genealogy. I try to note how many I recognize from reading scripture daily. But ultimately it is not important if I recognize them. God knows them and honors them. Their names are in the Book of Life.
We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, both military ones we honor today, and those unknown names God remembers and honors. The stories behind each name whether precious or unknown make us who we are today. Some were brave heroes like David and others ran the race but limped over the finish line.
Let us take time today to thank God for our ancestors, the good, the bad, and the unknown. Lord, help us to be people who bless those who walk in our footsteps. Thankyou for going to the cross so that we can have a future of peace.
On the Way to Wonder 