One of the most moving scenes in the movie Hacksaw Ridge is when Private Doss, alone on the bomb-riddled escarpment, with artillery raining down all around, calls out in desperation to God, “What is it you want of me?”
The only answer he receives is a faint call in the distance, “Medic!” Doss stares into the maelstrom and says to God, “Alright.” Then he stands up and runs back into hell, looking for just one more wounded soldier to save.
We live in a world at war. Our “enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NIV. All around us lie the wounded and discouraged, the hurt and dying, victims of his relentless campaign to destroy all that is good on this earth and to bring misery and heartache upon all its inhabitants.
On this day we have set aside to honor the brave men and women who sacrificed so much for our country, let us determine to join their ranks, to give our lives in service to our fellowmen.
Putting on the full armor of God and armed with the sword of the spirit let us wage war “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12.
Like Doss, we fight not to take life, but to save it. Our weapons are not bullets or bombs, but love and compassion. We seek to soothe the wounded soul and heal the broken heart, to care for widows and orphans, and to lead all we can to the One who alone can save.
This morning, as we hear the cry of “Medic!” echoing across the battlefield of this world, let us answer the call. “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1.
Today, do not run from the battle, but run back into the storm. Search across the broken battlefield of life for another wounded soul to save. Cleanse their wounds, lift them up, and lead them home. Then, like Desmond Doss, lift your eyes toward heaven and pray again, “One more, Lord. Give me just one more!”