Jesus ordered us to follow him

On D-Day, Lt. Robert Mason Mathias serving as a platoon leader in the 82nd Airborn Division. Lt. Mathias was riding in a C-47 Dakota over France on June 6. 

Nearing the jump zone, the plane starting to take flak from German guns. Lt. Mathias stood and took the first jump position at the open door. You may think this is strange. However, this is not the case in the Airborne. 

The leader is the first to jump out the door. As Lt. Mathias was standing in the door, a shell burst beside him. Red-hot flak ripped through his reserve chute into his chest, knocking him off his feet. He pulled himself back to his feet as the jump light came on. He could have stayed on the plane and gotten medical care. Instead, he raised his right arm and yelled out, “Follow me!” and leapt out into the night. Whether Lt. Mathias died on the way down or from the impact of landing is not known. He was the first American officer killed by German fire on D-Day.

For the Christian, it is D-Day everyday. We fight a constant battle with a spiritual enemy. Thankfully, we do not have to fight this battle alone. Jesus Christ was not willing to command us from the safe confines of heaven. 

Knowing well what it would cost Him, our Lord and Savior made a leap from heaven to earth. Jesus entered the frontlines of the battlefield and ordered us to follow Him. 

“And he that taketh not his cross and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:28) When you find yourself feeling alone and lost in the battle, remember that Jesus Christ has been there before. He has fought the battle and won the war and what we must do is follow Him.

The Rosebud News

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