656,000 Plus 1

656,000. 
That’s how many members of the U.S. military services have lost their lives in conflict.
And this weekend, we pause to remember them. To hold their sacrifice and commitment, close. To realize that because of what they’ve given, we live. Free.
And then remember another. 
The ultimate sacrifice. 
Made by a man who summed it up this way:

“No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again…” John 10:18 

May we hold this gift close, too. 

And realize that because of Jesus, we live. Free. 

Forever.