As Unknown, and Yet Well Known

This week commemorates Armistice Day, the 11th November 1918, which represents the end of World War One. Over the course of the years following, ideas were shared on how a national monument could be erected which could represent the immense loss of life during the war. An idea emerged and the events leading up to this monument were meticulously planned and executed.

On the 11th November 1920 an unknown warrior from the battlefields of France was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey which is known across the globe as the grave of the Unknown Warrior.  This is the amazing story behind the grave which started its journey back in France.

In early November 1920, with particular attention to detail and with careful consideration and sensitivity, four unmarked British soldiers’ bodies were exhumed from the battle areas of the Aisne, the Somme, Arras and Ypres. Within a small chapel in France all the four bodies were laid out and were individually arrayed in a Union Jack flag and one was randomly selected and placed in a coffin. The remainder were carefully reburied in a military cemetery.

In Boulogne, in France, the remains were placed in a specially made wooden coffin from England with wood direct from Hampton Court Palace. A Crusaders sword, from the Tower of London’s collection, was fixed on top of the oak box by iron bands. The coffin was then taken from France, placed on HMS Verdun, a British Royal Navy destroyer, and sailed to England under a full military escort.

On the morning of 11th November 1920, the coffin was placed on a gun carriage pulled by six black horses and with full pomp and ceremony made its way through the streets of London to its final resting place at Westminster Abbey.  

As we consider those brave men and women who gave their lives for king and country, I wonder whether you have noticed the verses from the Bible that surround the inscription on the grave of the Unknown Warrior.

The first is the title for this article “As unknown, and yet well known” (2 Corinthians 6 v 9). In this vast world of ours and especially through these difficult times maybe you feel unknown, unloved, and insignificant but you can be assured you are “well known” to God. 

The Bible says “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? and not one of them is forgotten before God?, but even the hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not therefore: ye are more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12 v 6 and 7)

The second Bible verse is “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15 v 13) and although we are well known to God we are also loved by God.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3 v 16) and Paul appreciated that when he wrote in the book of Galatians “The Son of God who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2 v 20)

The epistle of John states “God is love” (1 John 4 v 8) and God showed his love toward us by sending his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus lived a perfect life and was taken ”by wicked hands” and was “crucified and slain” (Acts 2 v 23) upon a cross for our sins proving that “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life” (John 15 v 13)

The third Bible verse is “..in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15 v 22) and reminds us that although the Lord Jesus Christ died and shed his precious blood he was triumphantly raised from the dead on the third day – He is alive today in heaven.

The fourth Bible verse is “The Lord knoweth them that are his” (2 Timothy 2 v 19) and wonder whether you have accepted Christ as your Saviour and whether you can be counted as His. Not through any merit of your own but through the work He accomplished on the cross of Calvary so many years ago.

The final paragraph on the grave inscription quotes a further Bible verse referencing the little known King Jehoiada in 2 Chronicles 24 v16 –  “And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house”.

When we die, we may not be buried among the kings or in Westminster Abbey but by repenting of our sin and putting our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ we can be assured that our sins will be forgiven. We shall be saved and have a guaranteed place in heaven wherever our mortal body is laid to rest.

So, as we remember those who gave their lives to free us from tyranny may we also consider the One who gave His life to save us from our sins.  Will you take Christ as your Saviour today?

Paul Cartwright