In Craig Nelson’s book The First  Heroes we read about the Doolittle Raiders who launched the first major counterattack on the Pacific front during World War II. Not all of the ‘raiders’ returned from their bombing mission. Jacob DeShazer was among those who were captured and held in POW camps under difficult and painful circumstances.

DeShazer later returned to Japan after the war, but not to seek revenge. He had received Jesus as his Saviour and had come back to Japanese soil carrying the message of Christ. A former warrior who was once on a campaign of war was now on a campaign of reconciliation.

DeShazer’s mission to Japan mirrors the heart of the Saviour, who came on a mission of love and reconciliation. Luke reminds us that when Christ came into the world, it was not merely to be a moral example or a compelling teacher. He came “to seek and to save” the lost (19:10). His love for us was expressed at the cross and His rescue of us was demonstrated when He emerged triumphantly from the tomb alive.

In Christ we find forgiveness, and that forgiveness changes our life and our eternity—all because Jesus came on a campaign of reconciliation.

Author

Bill Crowder

Topics

Our Daily Bread