When Duty Calls: Echoes of Acts and ANZAC Sacrifice
On ANZAC morning we heard the beautiful hymn ‘Abide With Me’ being sung at the morning ANZAC service in the heart of Takapuna, it was such a beautiful and poignant moment. I’m sure that all across the country many other voices added to the beautiful refrain, ‘O Lord, Abide with me.’ Later that morning I joined with the Niue community who in their own way honoured the sacrifice of 150 of their own men, called from the middle of the pacific to fight alongside the ANZACS for peace and freedom. An amazing and dreadful time that drew people from the most far-flung places in the world to stand and die for the ideals that they held dear.
As we remember the spirit of ANZAC this Sunday, our lectionary reading takes our thoughts to Acts 5:27-32. Here we find the apostles facing the high priest and council, who demand they cease teaching in the name of Jesus, and despite previous warnings Peter and the apostles stood firm, declaring, "We must obey God rather than men.” They boldly proclaimed that God raised Jesus whom the council had killed, as Prince and Saviour, the Christ who offers lasting forgiveness and fellowship in response to our repentant love. They asserted by the power of the Holy Spirit that they were witnesses to these truths and are called to proclaim this good news in love to all whom God had put on their path.
There is resonance between the ANZAC’s who answered the call to duty, putting themselves in immense danger for the sake of peace and freedom, and how the apostles prioritised their divine mandate over human authority reminding us that as Christ followers, our mission, in fact our call of duty has "eternal consequences" and might also require the ultimate sacrifice. The ANZAC’s service involved a profound commitment and a willingness to risk all for a cause greater than themselves. Their actions, like that of the apostles, was one that exhibited unwavering obedience, highlighting a dedication to principles that transcended personal safety and comfort.
Reflecting on these parallel commitments to duty and truth, and the subsequent high cost that was involved, I find myself compelled to ask: What enduring values truly command our ultimate allegiance in this fleeting existence? What enduring values do we hold that might motivate us to forgo our own personal safety and comforts for the sake of our LORD? Please take a moment to read our passage in Acts as you ponder the fallen heroes of ANZAC. May God bless you richly. Josh
