Reflect upon these two poems written within two years of each other. Jesus said, “There is no greater love, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13.
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place: And in the sky the larks still bravely singing fly scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead: short days ago, we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved: and now we lie In Flanders fields! Take up our quarrel with the foe. To you, from failing hands, we throw the torch: be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.” - Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae (Written in 1915)
“On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross. The emblem of suffering and shame. And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain. Oh, that old rugged Cross so despised by the world has a wondrous attraction for me. For the dear Lamb of God, left his Glory above to bear it to dark Calvary. In the old rugged Cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see. For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me. To the old rugged Cross, I will ever be true. Its shame and reproach gladly bear. Then He'll call me some day to my home far away where his glory forever I'll share. So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross till my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to the old rugged Cross and exchange it some day for a crown.” - Author Preacher George Bennard (Written in 1913).