“The Chosen” Text: John 14:15-21
Elpis Christian Church
Memorial Day Weekend
May 29, 2011
Ted Engstrom tells the funny little story of a man hailed a hero following an incident on a cruise ship. He says,
“The party aboard ship was in full swing. Speeches were being made by the captain, the crew, and the guests enjoying the week-long voyage. Sitting at the head table was a seventy-year-old man who, somewhat embarrassed, was doing his best to accept the praise being poured on him.
Earlier that morning a young woman had apparently fallen overboard, and within seconds elderly gentleman was in the cold, dark waters at her side. The woman was rescued and the elderly man became an instant hero.
When time finally came for the brave passenger to speak, the stateroom fell into a hush as he rose from his chair. He went to the microphone and, in what was probably the shortest ‘hero’s’ speech ever offered, spoke the stirring words:
‘I just want to know one thing – who pushed me?’”
Sometimes heroes are born; sometimes they are made; and apparently – sometimes they are pushed.
Courage is a funny thing, isn’t it? So is sacrifice. Most of us go about our daily lives relatively quietly. We get up in the morning, brush our teeth – or put them in – we get dressed, eat a little breakfast, maybe look over the morning paper or check out the news on the TV or computer, and another day begins. Not many of us put on a “superhero” costume to start the day. We just do what we have to do.
But there are certainly times when men and women are called to do more; sacrifice more; answer some great call of duty or service. And whether or not they are recognized as they go about this solemn, important duty – they too just “do what (they) have to do.” That takes courage and sacrifice.
Frank Buckles was one such man. As one article puts it,
“(He) did not seek the spotlight, but when he outlived every other American who had served in World War I, he became what his biographer called "the humble patriot" and final torchbearer for the memory of that fading conflict. Buckles went to war at 16 after lying about his age. He died . . . on his farm in Charles Town, nearly a month after his 110th birthday.
He had devoted the last years of his life to campaigning for greater recognition for his former comrades, prodding politicians to support a national memorial in Washington and working with friend and family spokesman David DeJonge on a biography.
"We were always asking ourselves: How can we represent this story to the world?" DeJonge said today. "How can we make sure World War I isn't forgotten?" When asked in February 2008 how it felt to be the last survivor, Buckles said simply, "I realized that somebody had to be, and it was me." At least 8.5 million soldiers are believed to have died in the war.
(He) was born in Missouri in 1901 and raised in Oklahoma, visited a string of military recruiters after the US in April 1917 entered what was called "the war to end all wars". He was repeatedly rejected before convincing an army captain he was 18.
More than 4.7 million people joined the U.S. military from 1917-18. By 2007, only three survived.
Buckles got fan mail almost every day, DeJonge said, and had enough birthday cards to fill several bushel baskets.
DeJonge had visited Buckles late last week and was driving back to Michigan with about 5000 letters to organize and answer when he got the call telling him his friend had died.
"The letters are so heartfelt," he said. "That kept him going."
(He) served in England and France, working mainly as a driver and store man. An eager student of culture and language, he used his off-duty hours to learn German, visit cathedrals, museums and tombs, and bicycle in the French countryside.
After Armistice Day, Buckles helped return prisoners of war to Germany. He returned to the US in January 1920.
After the war, he returned to Oklahoma, and then moved to Canada, where he worked a series of jobs before heading for New York City. There he landed jobs in banking and advertising.
But it was the shipping industry that suited him best, and he worked around the world for the White Star Line Steamship Co. and W.R. Grace & Co.
In 1941, while on business in the Philippines, Buckles was captured by the Japanese. He spent more than three years in prison camps.
"I was never actually looking for adventure," he once said. "It just came to me."
It’s that last quote that really grabs me. It reminds us that life presents itself – in all its drama, joy, passion, pain, obstacles, and triumphs – and we must respond. We have the God-given freedom, and responsibility, to do that. Some respond better than others. And we should not judge others on how well we think they have done or not done.
It is better that we simply reflect prayerfully on what we are called to do with the circumstances in which we find ourselves. And we should not be surprised if at times we are called to be courageous – even heroes in some way – too.
By now you may think I’ve forgotten the scripture passage I read a few moments ago, but I haven’t. You see, it’s oddly appropriate that the church calendar brings us to this passage about Jesus’ calling his disciples to follow him, to obey his commands, if in fact they love him – on the very weekend that we remember those who have served faithfully, courageously, boldly for love of God and country and fellow man. The scripture passage talks about how the world cannot easily accept Christ – nor does it accept His followers. And how it is that to serve Him faithfully it will take courage and sacrifice time and again. And yet, there is that promise as well – that Christ does not leave us as orphans, never alone, in that task. The Holy Spirit – the comforter – the advisor – the teacher – the
One who strengthens us in all things – will always be there as we answer our own unique calls as Christians, as citizens, as members of the human family.
Memorial Day is so much more than picnics and fireworks. It’s remembering, and giving thanks, and humbly devoting ourselves to following in the footsteps of those who have answered their own calls with courage and conviction. Frank Buckles said, “I was never actually looking for adventure, it just came to me.” We might not be looking for it either – but it may come – and we must make the choice to serve however God calls us to serve – or lose a grand opportunity.
In a few moments we are going to do as we do each week – remember Christ’s sacrifice for us and for the entire world – as we partake of the Communion elements. Then, shortly afterward, we are going to exit this sanctuary and go outside where we will conclude our time together by placing flags of remembrance on the graves of the veterans in our own cemetery. That to me is always a very meaningful few moments – watching those flags be placed in remembrance and honor.
But I hope as we do it each year it is more than just remembering and honoring those veterans – as important as it is to do that. I hope it’s a time when we quietly, and without much fanfare, re-dedicate ourselves to a life of service and sacrifice when need be. It is our legacy that we do our part to follow Christ’s commands; to hold high Christian values; to reach out compassionately and boldly in Christ’s name; to serve God and country – always recognizing that God comes first. And to simply be willing, should life place it before us, to serve in heroic and faithful ways.
Frank Buckles went to war at age 16 after lying about his age. The man in our little story about the cruise ship was literally “pushed” into acting heroically. Christ called his disciples to follow in His footsteps on the very night that the world betrayed and denied him. And though they stumbled a bit – most followed him – even when it meant dying as he had. We never know where or how we might be called. But we can remember those who have gone before, those who have answered the call, and we can do the same. We do not do it alone. God himself goes with us into the task.
We are the chosen – chosen as people of faith and servants of God. Chosen not to bring glory or honor unto ourselves but unto Him. Like so many who have gone before - may we be faithful, bold, courageous, and true when that call comes.
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