ANZAC Day 2010

This weekend I want to take time to honour the ANZAC's and give due weight to the unbelievable sacrifice they made for the freedom we enjoy today, and the rich heritage they have passed on to generations of Australians and New Zealanders.

The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian & New Zealand Army Corps, whose legend was forged with the landing of the Corps on the Gallipoli Peninsula at the Dardanelles on April 25th, 1915.  ANZAC has since become synonymous with the courageous spirit and legendary sacrifice of our armed forces.

It is recorded that just before the first troops landed that day, they stood with heads uncovered and bowed while a prayer was offered over them, for victory and for Divine blessing.  As I was reflecting on this, I came across an article which said "But ANZAC stood, and still stands for reckless valour in a good cause, for enterprise, resourcefulness, fidelity, comradeship and endurance that will never own defeat."

Reckless valour in a good cause.  That's not a foolhardy valour but a boldness in the face of the enemy which takes no account of personal cost.  It is unconcerned about consequence but courageous, daring, and heroic - victory at any cost. That's the spirit of ANZAC… and it sounded somehow familiar to me.  Wasn't that exactly how Jesus was when, in Hebrews 12:2 -

"He, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, sat down at the right hand of the Father."

It's a God-quality, a Christ-likeness.  And that's the same spirit that dwells in us as believers.

Let's take the time to honour the memory of those who fell in battle; who paid the ultimate price so that we today, can live free.

Thank you to all of our ANZACS,

Brian

For more information on ANZAC Day, visit www.anzacday.org.au

To read this blog in spanish, please click here.