Three lessons from "Hacksaw Ridge"

One of the top ten films awarded by the American Film Institute in 2016 was "Hacksaw Ridge"

 directed by Mel Gibson of "Braveheart" and "The Passion of Christ" fame.

 The true World War11 drama set during the battle of Okinawa tells the story of Desmond Doss. Desmond was a Conscientious Objector who signed up to save lives, rather than take them. He was a Combat Medic and a Christian.

He refused to carry or use firearms or weapons of any kind.  Desmond went to battle with his Bible in his back pack. I won't spoil the film for you, but for me three things stood out as a disciple of Christ. There my be some scenes which the squeamish my like to look away.

The Call 

We ought never underestimate the training of children who come to our early years Sunday School classes in teaching them God's Word and all of the years that follow. As adults we are a not passed learning and sharing the difference our Faith effects the way we live as disciples of Jesus. This is training is for action: when God calls us  into service.
Lets give a pat on the back to all those teachers and leaders who answer God's call to serve in this way.
Of course there are children and adults who never have, or get any religious teaching. For what ever reason it be, it is God, by his Holy Spirit which can change their  lives. It is our responsibility to show and share with them the Love of God through our actions to them.    

The Courage

"I lost all my friends at school. Now that I've begun to walk my talk, they make fun of me"
Rachel Scott's journal entries showed her disappointment that the very people to whom she wanted to show Christ's love turned away from her. But she wouldn't give in."I'm not going to apologise for speaking the name of Jesus, I will take it"
Rachel was a student at Columbine High School in Colorado the day two students opened fire in the school. One gunman asked her if she still believed in God. She looked him in the eye and said yes she still believed. He asked her why,but he didn't let her answer before killing her.


The Cost
I feel challenged in that if I was called to give up my life for Jesus sake, would I have the courage to give all for my Lord. As the persecuted believers around the world are being horrifically treated around the world daily, their courage under fire makes me feel ashamed. Their extreme devotion burns into my heart and deserves my regular prayers. If it played such a large part in the life of Jesus and the many times He encouraged us to do it,then we have to believe it works.
Why should I cower under a blanket of embarrassment to speak of Jesus?
I take courage from martyrs' present and past for my call,courage and past costs.

"Dear friends do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering ,as though something strange were happening to you"   1 Peter 4: 12

Papyrus to ipad

Original Letter on Papyrus 3rd Century BCE

I suppose it is well known that the ancient Chinese sent messages of greetings to friends and to convey information of importance. 

The early Egyptians used Papyrus to communicate  a variety of instruction, commands and  throughout their land.

What a revolution in the mid 16th Century the printing press made to the greeting card market.   

We now in the 21st Century have cards for everything. Birthdays,Get well cards, thanks cards, not to mention Christmas and New Year cards and the list goes on.

Sending cards is not a bad thing even if it does become a bit of labour before Christmas time.

Many take great comfort in receiving cards during loneliness. So I am not knocking sending them.

Along came social media sites,allowing sending greetings with the click of a button. No effort and no stamps! Progress has come a long way. 

The downside is that it can be a cover up for not putting the saved time to good use.

 Anyone have friends or family you have had a disagreement with,or of those elderly neighbours, those who are lonely and depressed or are in hospital?  

I would suggest that we use our modern cell phones to brighten up their Christmas and OUR OWN. There is a blessing in using our time in giving and forgiving. 

Visiting with them is even better, chatting face to face -- no substitute for a cupa and a smile.