Last night for some reason God laid upon my heart to watch the movie Saving Private Ryan. It seemed kinda strange at first to me but the movie is based on a true story and it is very touching to the soul. What caught my attention about it was a letter read by General George C. Marshall. The letter was originally written to a Mrs. Bigspie in Boston. She had seen five of her sons leave home to go to war for the republic know as The United States of America. This letter had been written to her by the current president Abraham Lincoln. He said the war department in Washington had brought it to his attention that her five sons had died gloriously on the field of battle. He wrote that he felt that his words were weak and fruitless to a loss so overwhelming.. He said he couldn't refrain from tendering to her the consulation of the republic they died to save. He prayed that the Lord remove the anguish of losing five sons and remember only the cherished memories of the loved ones lost. The solemn pride that must be hers to have laid such a costly sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. As I listened to this letter over and over again it really hit home. This woman raised five sons who were destined to die preserving something God created. God laid it on peoples hearts hearts to build a nation founded upon the principles He laid out in His Word. A nation where freedom reigns.
I can't help but think what one Person gave upon an altar once for freedom. The person who sacrificed the most ever upon the altar of freedom of God Himself. His Son willingly came to this earth to be born just so He could die. I can't help but think about His sacrifice for us. He came to die for people who didn't love him. Who cared nothing for Him. If Jesus Christ had not come we would still be enslaved to sin. We would be still slaves to our flesh. We wouldn't be able to withstand the temptation of the devil. Without Christ we would still be separated from God for the law of God has condemned us. The chains of sin are gone. We've been set free. If you can recall chains are symbol of slavery. Christ died upon an altar of freedom for all of us. I think we all need to focus upon God, His Son and the sacrifice He made, and how the Holy Spirit has helped us overcome the evil one. In Christ we are free from sin. I have been reading in my Bible this year a couple of passages that have been really becoming a cornerstone for me. Galatians 5:1-6, 13-25 and Psalm 119: 9-10. Psalm 119: 9-10 says; "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh let me not wander from You commandments. Keeping God's commandments are summed up in two main commandments that Jesus gave love God with all you heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. What will you choose to do this year? I pray that your decision is the same as mine. Let's live our lives according to His Word. May we forever changed knowing that Romans 12:1 says we are to present ourselves as living sacrifices to God. May our prayer be Lord You died for us as a sacrifice upon a cross. May we die daily until You call us home. In You Name, Amen.
