Those who were made famous by the picture emphasized that the real heroes were those who didn’t come home – those who laid down their lives for the sake of freedom.

As I have walked over the battle fields of the Civil War and cemeteries throughout our nation, many times I am humbled and somber. But hope arises in my heart when I remember the promise of the Word of God, “death is swallowed up in victory” (I Corinthians 15:54). Whenever you visit the cemeteries and remember loved ones who have been taken by death, be sure to look to the rocky hill called Calvary where Jesus Christ laid down his life to give us life and liberty. His shed blood paid the price of redemption for our sins that separated us from God. The death and resurrection of Christ conquered death. The empty tomb assures victory for all who will believe and receive him. (I Corinthians 15)

Our spiritual fathers planted flags of faith to remind us of our victory – the hope of the resurrection through Christ. Consider some of the Old Testament revelations of our victory. Job planted this flag of faith, “but as for me, I know that my redeemer lives and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” (Job 19:25-27 NLT)

The prophet Isaiah planted this flag of faith. “But those who die in the Lord will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For your life-giving light will fall like dew on your people in the place of the dead!” (Isaiah 26:19 NLT) David planted this flag of revelation concerning the Messiah, “No wonder my heart is glad and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with your forever” (Psalm 16:9-11 NLT).

Because Jesus gave his life on the cross of Calvary and arose victorious over death, hell, and the grave, we can possess this hope and assurance, “ and as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:15 NKJV).