P. Pilgrim
Terry Austin of Dallas, Texas, tells a story about Bert Frizen who, in 1944, was an infantryman on the front line in Europe during world war II. American forces had advanced in the face of intermittent shelling and small-arms fire throughout the morning hours, but now all was quiet. His patrol reached the edge of a wooded area with an open field before them. Unknown to the Americans, a battery of Germans waited in a hedgerow about two hundred yards across the field. Bert was one of two scouts who moved out into the clearing. Once he was halfway across the field, the remainder of his battalion followed. Suddenly the Germans opened fire, and machine gun fire ripped into both of Bert’s legs. The American battalion withdrew into the woods for protection, while a rapid exchange of fire continued. Bert lay helplessly in a small stream as shots volleyed overhead. There seemed to be no way out of his dilemma. To make matters worse, he now noticed that a German soldier was crawling toward him. Death appeared imminent so he closed his eyes and waited. To Bert’s surprise, a considerable period passed without the expected attack, so he ventured opening his eyes again. He was startled to see the German kneeling at his side, smiling. He then noticed that the shooting had stopped. Troops from both sides of the battlefield watched anxiously. Without any verbal exchange, this mysterious German reached down to lift Bert in his strong arms and proceeded to carry him to the safety of his own comrades. Having accomplished his self appointed mission, and still without speaking a word, the German soldier turned and walked back across the field to his own troops. No one dared break the silence of this sacred moment. Moments later the ceasefire ended, but not before all those present had witnessed the power of self-abdicating love, how one man risked everything for his enemy.
Bert’s life was saved through the compassion of one man his enemy. This courageous act pictures what Jesus did for us. The holy scriptures state in Romans chapter 5 verse 8 ‘But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ Christ came to earth as a man, He bridged the gap that separates you and me from God. That gap is caused by our sins and disobediences. Sin is the breaking of God’s laws. That sin causes a separation between the holy and living God and sinful man. But Christ came and give His life for us on the cross. He rescued us from a hopeless and never-ending eternity. By his death and resurrection, he provides for us forgiveness for all our sins, the gift of eternal life, and a home in heaven where there will be the fullness of love and life forever.
The German soldier showed a quiet compassion for his enemy and so fulfilled the command of the Lord Jesus Christ in John chapter 15 verse 12,13, ‘This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ Jesus can be your friend if you trust in him. (pilgrimway 101@yahoo.com)
