Saturday, November 5, 2016

HACKSAW RIDGE —“Lord, help me get one more…”

HACKSAW RIDGE is by far the best movie I've seen this year! (You can watch the trailer here.)

Without a doubt, it is the best war movie since "SavingPrivate Ryan" and takes its place with SPR as one of the best war movies in film history.

HACKSAW is also  the most reverent and meaningful depiction of faith in film I've witnessed. I highly recommend it!

Set against the backdrop of one of the most violent and brutal battles in World War II, the imagery is breath-taking and heart-breaking. Please note, the violence is graphic. There are scenes that were difficult - almost impossible to watch. But in the midst of the horrors of war, we see the beauty of courage, love, fidelity, honor and grace!

The story of Desmond Doss is epic, though the man himself was incredibly humble. While he feels called to live out his service to country in a specific manner, he never presents his calling, values or morality as being superior to others. Yes, he is firm in his convictions, but he is also kind and graceful in his attitude. (By the way, Andrew Garfield is amazing in his portrayal of Doss. Amazing!)

It's been a while since a movie moved me this deeply and profoundly.

See this movie.

Don't rush out of the theater too quickly after the movie.

Take a moment to think about what you just witnessed!

Take a moment to thank God for all of the brave men who fought on that ridge...

Take a moment to thank God for all the courageous men and women who have fought so valiantly protecting our freedom as Americans.  Thank God for the sacrifice they've made. For the sacrifice many continue to make...

Also, take a moment to think about the implications of your faith.

Most of us will not be called upon or required to make the same kind of heroic decision in the same kind of war zone that Doss was required to make. But we all can live out the values of love, beauty, grace and compassion day in and day out - in our homes, in the work place, in our community...

Think about the value of one life. About all that could change if you reached out to, touched, shared God's love or the beauty of the gospel with just one more... "Lord, please help me get one more", Doss prays in perhaps the most powerful scene in the movie. 

Finally, how would the current dialogue in our country shift, if those of us who are Christians modeled more and more the grace and love of Christ that seeks to save and heal, instead of participate in the rhetoric that chooses to label, judge, divide and destroy?

This morning my Bible Reading had me in Romans 12 which ends with this verse:

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." —Romans 12:21

After I read this verse, I thought of the story of Desmond Doss and HACKSAW RIDGE. HIs story is a demonstration of how one man lived this verse out.

See HACKSAW RIDGE!

No comments: