Saving (insert your name here)

Most are familiar with the plot of Saving Private Ryan.  A small cadre of soldiers, led by Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) is sent to the front lines in France in the Second World War to find Private James Ryan (Matt Damon) whose three brothers were killed in combat.  The War Department wants Ryan saved so the family does not lose all its sons.  Ryan is somewhere on the front, essentially lost in a sea of green fatigues.

Just prior to the scenes in the video clip, Captain Miller is fatally wounded.  As he lays dying he tells Ryan, “Earn this!”  Earn what these men have done for you.  Earn the sacrifice that has been made for you.

I love the title of the film.  I could insert my name – Saving Jon  Kendrick – because I am lost and need saving.  We are each James Ryan in that we need saving and someone has died for us and we wonder if we’re worthy of that.  Apparently, Ryan lived to be a good man, but even if he didn’t, Captain Miller died for him.

We will never be worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice for us, his dying in our place.  Fortunately, Jesus didn’t come to save worthy people: he came to save lost people who could never earn the gift of grace he offers.  This Memorial Day certainly remember and give thanks for the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the defense of earthly freedom.  But give ultimate honor to the One who sacrificed His life for your eternal freedom. 

This can be your story.  Claim the grace that God offers.  Accept the sacrifice of a loving Savior.  Insert your name…