Dear Church,
Well, its another week and another bunch of lessons learnt about raising a newborn. Bear is happy and healthy and has us wrapped around his finger. I can proudly say I feel like the king of nappy changing and am currently timing myself to break the nappy changing record (don’t worry, Bear is safe).
This weekend we celebrate Anzac Day, a time to remember those who have paid the ultimate price to fight for the freedoms we enjoy in our country. Every year I try to take time to watch the mini-series by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks called “Band of Brothers.” It follows a platoon of soldiers in the war who learn to stand and fight for each other. It always inspires me and makes me reflect on how grateful I am to our amazing veterans.
Today I wanted to share a couple of thoughts about these incredible these veterans:
1. Comradeship. The Anzacs were known for their sense of loyalty to each other. Their commitment to brotherhood and fighting for each other, even in the midst of extreme hardship, is well documented. We still see it outworked at Anzac gatherings and RSLs today.
Standing with others is a Godly attribute. Fighting for each other, especially in the tough times; forging relationships that are true and tested.
1 Peter 2:17 says “Honour all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honour the king.”
2. Sacrifice: The Gallipoli operation saw 26,111 Australian casualties, including 8,141 deaths. Strangers, bound together by their love of country, laying down their lives for each other, creating bonds that can only be described as brotherhood.
John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.”
3. Honour: The honour the ANZACS showed for their country and each other can only be described as inspirational. We see this honour displayed every year at Anzac Day celebrations. It’s an honour forged through fire and an honour that is long-lasting.
Romans 12:10 says “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honour.”
We have so much we can learn from the ANZACS. They epitomise the Australian spirit. We have so much to be thankful for. Today we honour all of our veterans. We celebrate you and say THANK YOU!
Lest we forget.
Ps Benaiah & Charlie Halliday
Senior Pastors
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