“For since death came through a man, through one man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through one man, for as in Adam, all die. So in Christ, all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Happy Friday, everyone. On this Veterans Day weekend, I’m here in Lewiston, Maine, here with our teams as we’ve deployed at the tragedy and the crisis that’s here. I’m actually sitting in what they call Veterans Memorial Park, and just right across the street, are our 18 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion for those who have lost their lives in this tragedy. There are 13 others who also were victims and are recovering.

And our teams are out, going about, and serving these folks and delivering comfort. But how appropriate it is for us to consider the sign that is right at the entrance to this park, that freedom is not free. It comes with a price. And when we consider that price, we recognize on this weekend all of our men and women who serve this country and fight for freedom still today.

It’s crazy how we so often take that freedom for granted, not just here in America, but just our freedom that we have as humans, that freedom to make decisions and to make choices. As I have been going throughout the community and listening to people’s stories and hearing their hearts and hearing the fears that this incident has raised for them, it’s remarkable about the ripple effect, about how this one action just really ripples out through so many different lives in so many different ways, especially here in a tight-knit community.

And it reminded me of this passage from 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, “For since death came through a man, through one man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through one man, for as in Adam, all die. So in Christ, all will be made alive.” You know, it’s this ripple effect that through Adam, sin has continued to spread, and it’s in our lives too.

And if we’re honest, we’re part of that ripple effect. When we lose our patience and say an angry word, we again cause another ripple of sin and anger and brokenness in other people’s lives. And yet the miracle, the amazing story of grace comes in the fact that Jesus steps into the middle of that mess, goes to the cross, and through Him there’s now a ripple of grace.

We’re so honored to be able to serve this community with that message of grace and hope. But I want to encourage you on this Veterans Weekend, not only to thank those who serve us, to honor them, but to remember the One through whom all freedom has been captured, won, and taken back for us. His name is Jesus. Remember to honor Him as well this weekend.

And can you consider your actions together with me as we go into today? Let’s drop a pebble in the middle of this community that we’re in, and let’s make those ripples be ripples of grace, not of hurt and pain.

Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, as we gather here on this Friday, we remember those who are hurting, especially the community here in Lewiston, Maine.

We pray that You would be with them. We pray that You would give them comfort. We know that through this tragedy, Lord, so many lives have been affected. Would You please continue to show Yourself in the comfort, in the grace that You have given to us through Your son, Jesus? We thank You that through him we have that ripple of grace, that we’ve received that.

And for those who have yet not received it, Lord, we pray for them. And we pray that their hearts would be opened up to Your message, Your gospel, Your good news. Lord Jesus, we also thank You for our men and women who serve faithfully, our country. We know that freedom comes with a price, and we ask that You would be with them, that You would encourage them, that as difficult as it is for them and the challenges that they face, not only in the face of war and danger, but also to be away from their own homes and their own families and the challenges that presents.

Lord, would You be with every single individual, and would You let them know of not only our gratitude and thanks, but would You let them know of Your presence with them this day? Thank You for the freedom that we have in Jesus, and it is in His name we pray. Amen.