The vast invasion force that established the bridgehead in Normandy changed the face of Europe, and we are still living with the consequences of that.
It is striking that while events in the east of Europe cause much alarm, as so often in the past, the post-war west European experiment is under review again,
Living together in peace is much harder than many have imagined.
But this D-Day invasion brought overwhelming military might to bear on German forces. There was fierce resistance, but retreat and defeat followed. D-Day inevitably led to VE-Day, when the battle in Europe was over.
Christian people have often seen a parallel between D-Day and the death and resurrection of Jesus. In that decisive battle with sin, decay and death, Jesus has demonstrated that the Kingdom authority of God has been inaugurated. Final victory is only a matter of time. In spite of our present observations, our enemy is on the retreat and defeat is inevitable. This is why we read all over the New Testament statements like these:
'And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.' (Romans 8.38-39)
The death and resurrection of Jesus affects how we live now, as our former bosses have been defeated decisively when Jesus died.
'You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He cancelled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.' (Colossians 2.13-15)
So the victory of Calvary is like the D-Day invasion. We can be confident that having started, God will finish the job, so we can always look forward trusting Him. 'And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.' (Philippians 1.6)
I trust that today you can live in thankful remembrance of what Jesus has won for us, as we also recall the sacrifice of those who gave their lives on D-Day.
Best wishes,
Richard
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