POINT OF VIEW
Amen! And Alleluia!
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“Amen!” and “Alleluia” are words that unite Christians around the world, for they are virtually the same in every language, as illustrated by a gripping story that Daniel Christiansen tells about a relative, a Romanian soldier in World War II, named Ana Gheorghe. It was 1941, and Russian troops had overrun the Romanian region of Bessarabia and entered Moldavia. Ana and his comrades were badly frightened. Bullets whizzed around them, and mortar shells shook the earth. By day, Ana sought relief reading his Bible, but at night he could only crouch close to the earth and recall verses memorized in childhood. One day during a spray of enemy fire, Ana was separated from his company. In a panic, he bolted deeper and deeper into the woods until, huddling at the base of a large tree, he fell asleep from exhaustion. The next day, trying to find his comrades, he moved cautiously toward the front, staying in the shadows of the trees, nibbling a crust of bread, drinking from streams. Hearing the battle closing in, he unslung his rifle, pulled the bolt, and watched for the enemy, his nerves near the breaking point. Twenty yards away, a Russian soldier suddenly appeared. All my mental rehearsals of bravery served me nothing. I dropped my gun and fell to my knees, then buried my face in my sweating palms and began to pray. While praying, I waited for the cold touch of the Russian’s rifle barrel against my head. I felt a slight pressure on my shoulder close to my neck. I opened my eyes slowly. There was my enemy kneeling in front of me, his gun lying next to mine among the wildflowers. His eyes were closed in prayer. We did not understand a single word of the other’s language, but we could pray. We ended our prayer with two words that need no translation: “Alleluia…Amen!” Then, after a tearful embrace, we walked quickly to opposite sides of the clearing and disappeared beneath the trees.
(portion of December 29th reading) And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen! Alleluia!” Revelation 19:4
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Life Quest Commentary
Are you a child of God? Have you been born again? If you are a Christian, then you should be able to relate to this story. When we are born again, we become a new creation of God and the Holy Spirit of God dwells in us. This gives us a common bond and shared values with other Christians, even those whose language we don't understand or who perhaps come from another culture or walk of life.
The Spirit of God binds believers together into a united family that loves God and desires to keep His commandments. We have a special fellowship with other believers that the world of unbelievers cannot understand. Those who believe in Jesus have been given the gift of eternal life and will live together in His presence forever. Isn't that wonderful?
"Do you understand that Jesus loves you and wants you to be a part of the family of God? Jesus took your place! He died on the cross, taking the penalty for your sins upon Himself, so that you could receive forgiveness of your sins and the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus!
If you have understood that Jesus died in your place and have already received His gift of eternal life, Praise the Lord!!
If not, why not receive Him right now and become a child of God and a member of the family of God?
We encourage you to refer to the LIFEQUEST "Food for Thought" topics of Salvation and Gospel which will further explain what He has done for you, how much God loves you and show you how to receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
God bless you and have a great day!