We Honor Our Heroes When We Fight the Good Fight
As the sun’s blazing heat reflected brightly off the surface of the 56 towering granite columns surrounding us, my young daughters and I stood sweaty and speechless. It was our family’s first trip to Washington, D.C., and we had seen many historical sights that day, but this one surpassed them in size and scale.
The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the U.S. armed forces during World War II, the military lives lost (more than 400,000), and the millions who supported the war efforts from home. Inscribed on these majestic columns are the names of the 48 states and eight U.S. territories that came together in this monumental battle, with a heavy rope between them representing the united strength of their collective effort.
Standing at the center of this vast monument, I could sense the far-reaching impact of the many battles and thousands of lives lost that are now represented in its design. Centered on one end of this circle of stone “soldiers” standing at attention, we came to the Wall of Stars, a granite wall blanketed with 4,048 gold stars, each representing 100 service members who died. “Here We Mark the Price of Freedom,” the inscription reads.
In this solemn moment of remembrance, I hoped my daughters could hold onto this memory, to “never forget” that the eventual victory in this war against evil came with great sacrifice. If not for these intentionally designed visual reminders, would we more easily forget? I hope not, yet I am grateful that we honor our heroes of freedom in an enduring memorial like this one.
The author of Hebrews recorded the names of many heroes of the faith in what we modern Christians call the “hall of faith” (Hebrews 11) so that his Jewish readers would remember their valiant examples in the face of a new enemy: Rome. These heroes paved the way for future generations of Israelites to know the God who miraculously delivered their ancestors from the oppression and godlessness that surrounded them, much like the Jews’ environment at the time Hebrews was written.
Though most of the faithful mentioned in Hebrews 11 didn’t personally witness Israel’s literal deliverance from slavery, they had a memorial of their own: twelve stones collected by Joshua to signify the twelve tribes of Israel crossing the Jordan River on dry ground and into the promised land. “So that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever” (Joshua 4:24).
This memorial stood as a tangible reminder to Israel’s future generations that God made good on His promise of freedom, so they could trust Him through all the impossible battles they would face moving forward. I imagine the conversations before these stacked stones, recounting the miracles and restoring their confidence.
These heroes of the faith also trusted in their future rescue in the form of a Messiah. Although they didn’t experience the ultimate victory achieved through Jesus’ death and resurrection, they fought their battles trusting the God of fulfilled promises. “And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised” (Hebrews 11:39).
Friends, we have received what was promised. We benefit from living post-resurrection, knowing that God fulfilled His promise to His people and invited us all to partake in the victory. And we have the Holy Spirit to keep the truth front and center in our lives.
Today, our battle is spiritual—to free others from the grip of sin that we have been liberated from. May we fight the good fight of faith. May we play our part in liberating others with the Gospel of truth as we press toward the finish line for the ultimate prize. And may we never forget the great sacrifice made so we could all enjoy an eternal reward.
”Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” — 1 Timothy 6:12
Questions for Reflection:
- Have you ever visited a war memorial? What impact did it have on you?
- What truths of Scripture do you cling to when you feel defeated by devastating circumstances?
- Do you see yourself as a spiritual “freedom fighter” who can play a part in liberating another person when you share the gospel? If not, I encourage you to pray for the Lord to bring someone to mind with whom you can share your testimony.
