Monday, November 14, 2022

November 14, 2022

This week’s movie, Hacksaw Ridge, tells the story of Desmond Doss, a young Virginia man who enlisted in the military during World War II, after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Doss was one of many young men who enlisted at the time, but what made him unique was being a pacifist who refused to touch a gun while serving as a medic. This conviction was challenged in many ways throughout his time of service. Yet he held strongly to his belief in the face of opposition and, ultimately, became a hero during the battle of Okinawa.

Desmond’s pacifist conviction was first developed as a young boy, when he almost killed his brother while roughhousing. This incident was a turning point for Doss. From there, he determined to fully embrace the biblical commandment “thou shall not kill” and instead devoted himself to saving lives.

As Ben shared this weekend, Doss’s turning point is similar to the turning point of the younger son in Jesus’ parable, The Prodigal Son. When this rebellious son had exhausted his resources in pursuit of foolish living, he found himself at rock bottom. But his rock bottom moment would not be the end for this prodigal; instead, it became the turning point of his life.

Luke 15:17-20 NIV

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.”

Like the prodigal son, Desmond Doss decided to turn in the midst of his darkest moment. He took the opportunity to make a change, and he allowed a dark moment of his life to fuel his conviction and determination to save lives instead of taking them.

During his time in the military, Desmond saved many lives, but not before being harassed for his conviction to not carry a gun. His commanding officers did everything they could to get Doss to give up his convictions, and when he did not, they attempted to force him out of the military. Unshaken, Desmond stood by the belief he forged as a young boy. He refused to give up and continued to live out his purpose even when it was tough. And in the end, he earned the respect of his fellow soldiers for his dedication to serve others and his commitment to his beliefs.

Questions:

What have been the turning point moments in your life that fueled your convictions and beliefs?

What makes it difficult for you to stand by your convictions?

What do you stand for?

Next Steps:

Pray about what convictions you need to stand by. Then make a choice to stand by those convictions even when it’s tough.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to see what convictions I need to stand by. Help me to see the purpose you have given me. Please help me live out my purpose and stand by convictions even when it’s difficult. Amen.