Over the Veteran’s Day weekend I read of a 92 year old veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam who died protecting his wife from a home intruder.

As a salute to all our veterans and as a beautiful picture of true love and devotion, I want to tell you the story of the life and death of John Dawson of Columbus, Georgia.

Here is the sad part: This 92-year-old veteran died protecting his wife from a home intruder who repeatedly stabbed Mr. Dawson and brutalized his wife of 72 years.

What a horrible story and a terrible picture of life in America.

But there are other things we should see about this story. At his funeral, his pastor said that most people had focused on how he died, but the pastor asked those present to focus on how he lived and where he is today.

John Dawson was a faithful servant of God who loved the Lord Jesus, his local church, his family, and his community. He had a living faith in Christ and showed it to everyone.

I agree with the pastor that we should look at how he lived and where he is and that we should all find strength and inspiration from this man.

I also think we should look at this as a beautiful picture of the love relationship of a husband and wife. I did not know this man and didn’t know his story until last weekend, but this is what I think.

I think this man could not think of a better way to die than to do so defending and caring for his wife of 72 years. Is this something of what Paul meant when he said “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church?” Isn’t this much of the beauty of the love relationship of faithful believers who are faithful in their marriage relationship?

Is this the kind of picture that we should give to our children about marriage?

Our world makes marriage to seem disposable and without love. It is often seen only as a sexual relationship of selfishness rather than a self-giving life.

I think God for this powerful picture of what it means to love God and love your spouse.