Much has been said of the sulfur mines in the northern end of Iwo Jima and how they constantly reminded one of Dante’s Inferno with billowing smoke sneaking from every crevice, hole or opening in the volcanic soil. Out of this inferno of fire, shell and smoke came litter bearers one morning, during World War II, carrying one of the many marines who had been badly shot up. He seemed to be breathing his last as he was laid gently down in the midst of our makeshift forward aid station. As I saw him lying on the stretcher, his arm almost torn off above his elbow, I knew that, but for a miracle, he would not last long.
His wounds were quickly cared for and his arm amputated carefully, but still we thought we were going to lose him, when all of a sudden a transformation took place. His face gradually began to show signs of life again as the whole blood that had been flown in from San Francisco began to flow in his veins. A miracle was taking place—he was receiving life—a renewed life from the blood given by someone else.
Wouldn’t it have been foolish for this young marine to refuse this gift of life through the transfusion of this blood? And yet, how many others the world over have said “No” to the Christ of Calvary, who died for us, who shed His blood to purchase our forgiveness, who came to give His life a ransom for many.
Have you been rejecting the life Christ can give? If you would know life everlasting—if you would experience peace that passes all understanding, come to know that Christ who said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:1010The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)).