A week ago, I found it quite moving as I watched people of all ages stop what they were doing to stand silently for two minutes, in contrast to some who, for whatever reason, continued with their activities. On Remembrance Sunday, many churches, including the one I attended, modified their services to observe this silent act of respect at 11 am.
On both occasions, I recalled an event from many years ago when I was in my mid-twenties. Following our marriage, my wife and I moved to a church near our new home and were made very welcome by many, including a lovely couple, Ken and Ruth. About two years later, on Remembrance Sunday, I was surprised that Ruth was at church without her husband. When I asked her after the service if he was alright, she informed me that he was attending the service at the local war memorial. Something in my reaction must have shown that I thought he was wrong to miss “our church service”, and she went on to explain why.
During the Second World War, Ken was a rear gunner on a Lancaster bomber, a very dangerous position. One night, he was due to fly on a mission, but was too ill and had to stay at home. That night, the plane was shot down and all the crew were killed. Ruth explained that he always attended the annual service to remember the man who took his place.
The hymn reminds us of the One who “In my place condemned He stood, sealed my pardon with His blood. Hallelujah, what a Saviour”.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, in the words of another, “Thank you that Christ became sin for us. Took the blame, bore the wrath – so we stand forgiven at the cross”. AMEN