Author Douglas Kelly cites a story told by Robert L. Dabney in his book Life and Campaigns of Lieutenant General Thomas J. Jackson.

In 1863, during the Civil War, General Stonewall Jackson was accidentally shot by his own troops. After his death, his body lay in the Capitol in Richmond, Virginia, for two days. Tens of thousands came to mourn on the final day as the sun began to set.

The marshal gave the order to close the doors of the Senate chamber. Just before they shut, a rough looking Confederate veteran in a tattered gray uniform pushed forward, tears streaming down his weathered face.

The marshal moved to stop him, but the man raised the stump of his right arm and cried out, “By this right arm, which I gave for my country, I demand the right of seeing my general one more time.”

The governor of Virginia, witnessing that moment, overruled the marshal, saying he has won entrance by his wounds.

Today, on Veterans Day, we pause to honor and give thanks for those who have served our country, those who have borne scars, burdens, and sacrifice in defense of freedom. We honor all veterans, past and present, whose strength, suffering, and service have paid a price that many will never see — and most of us will never understand.

Some carry visible wounds, others bear wounds unseen. We honor them all.

And today, we must remember the One whose wounds offer us entrance into eternal freedom. When the risen Jesus appeared to Thomas, he didn’t come with arguments. He came with His wounds. He told Thomas, “Put your finger here and see My hands. Put out your hand and place it into My side. Do not disbelieve but believe.” (John 20:19-29)

It was the wounds that opened Thomas’s eyes. It was the wounds that led him to cry out, “My Lord and my God.” And it is the wounds of Jesus that still win us entrance into grace, into mercy, into everlasting peace.

So today, think of veterans. Honor their service.

But also fall on your knees before the Savior. Because by His wounds, you are healed. By His scars, you are saved. And by His death, you are set free.

Prayer
Lord, thank You for those who have served and sacrificed for our country. Comfort those who carry wounds seen or unseen. And grant peace to those still healing most of all. Thank You for Jesus who fought a battle we could not fight and won an eternal victory we could have never earned. By His wounds, we are welcomed into Your kingdom. By His wounds, we are made whole. Thank You. In His precious name. Amen.

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