ANZAC Day

Today is "ANZAC Day" in Australia, one of the most important national observances.  "ANZAC" stands for "Australian and New Zealand Army Corps."  This day is a commemoration of the service of Australian and New Zealand "diggers" who fought in World War 1 in Gallipoli.  It ended up being a stalemate that came at the high cost of 8,000 ANZACs.  Throughout the nation and beyond our borders this sober, proud day has been set aside to remember and honour the memory of the brave fallen and those who have valiantly served their country in times of war.  In Gallipoli the ANZACs did not achieve a victory, but through their courage and toughness in the face of adversity defined themselves with strength and bravery all can appreciate.

One of the amazing facts is that the diggers who fought in Gallipoli did not often have the training, supplies, or equipment that was available to others.  In the face of insurmountable odds, they kept going.  According to skwirk.com, there were five basic traits that defined a "digger:"

1. the ability to remain cheerful with a good sense of humour, even in the most difficult of times
2. the ability to be resourceful when they had no supplies, for example by making hand grenades from empty tin cans
3. the spirit of mateship in which a soldier would risk his own life for his mate's
4. Australian courage, which was shown on the very first landing at Anzac Cove where the soldiers continued to charge up on to the beach straight into the line of Turkish fire
5. the notion that people all deserve the same amount of respect, no matter what their background is

ANZAC Day has been set aside to remember those who sacrificed their lives for others fighting for their nation.  As a Christian, it leads me to remember the great sacrifice Jesus made to atone for the sins of the world, mine included.  Jesus was brought up in humble conditions though He was God-made-flesh.  He fought against the tyranny of the Pharisees not with swords or spears but with wisdom from God.  After being falsely accused of wickedness after only doing good, Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified on a Roman cross.  In doing so He disarmed Satan of his power over men, nailed the Law which condemned men to the cross, and in His death brought life to all who will believe the Gospel.  Jesus proved His power over both sin and death when He rose victorious and ascended to the Father.

The ANZACs showed great love in laying down their lives for their mates, boldly charging into the line of fire on beach in Gallipoli.  Jesus demonstrated His love for all people by dying in our place on Calvary.  Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  It is good to remember the sacrifices of brave men and women for their countries.  It is better still to remember the sacrifice Jesus has made for all people so "...whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."