D-Day Thoughts

On the 6th of June people in Europe and USA will focus on the beaches of France, onto which millions of Allied troops poured in 1944 to begin the final assault on Germany and her occupation forces. Until then it often seemed that Germany would win the conflict and that she would extend her dominion to British shores. But those landings in Normandy effected the most amazing turn around in history. Heralding a new spirit of hope for the peoples of Europe. What was the secret of those early days that inspired and equipped so many? No one can say, but the results were decisive.

The same could be said about the disciples of the Lord Jesus after His death at Calvary. Hope was gone, action was pointless, and they probably felt as though the 3 years they had spent with Him were a waste of time. However, unlike the 2nd World War and its deflated peoples, we do know what caused the renewal and reinvigoration of the disciples!

As instructed by Jesus, they waited in Jerusalem for the “Comforter” He’d promised. It seemed a long wait and especially because they were not sure what they were waiting for. But they certainly knew when He arrived. What seemed like a rushing wind, and tongues of fire settled on each of them. But this was not the most amazing thing that happened. It was when, filled with confidence, a new surety about who Jesus was, and what He had done for everyone, they began to speak to the gathering crowd, that suddenly they knew Jesus’ promises had been fulfilled, beyond their imaginings.

At that moment the Church of Jesus Christ was born. Her work of telling the news about Jesus, salvation and eternal life had been set in motion never to end until He returns to rule and reign as King of Kings on the earth.We brothers and sisters are part of this great Church, we have the same message of hope, and release from the oppression of sin and death. However, like the D-Day landings, telling the story of Jesus is only the beginning, there are still battles to be fought with the dark powers, injustice, oppression and abuses. Like the allied forces we too are equipped to deal with the enemy. We have the Bible, the Holy Spirit and God’s Love. D-Day needed everyone to share in the burden and work. You too are needed to share in this holy calling, and work for our Saviour. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” Eccl 9:10