NAPOLEON had in his army a young army officer named Durosier. The young man was greatly attached to his emperor and was ready to run any risk to carry out his wishes. The only reward he sought was his commander's approval.
During one of the great battles being fought Napoleon wished to send a message to one of his generals who was in the thick of the fighting. He called for a volunteer and Durosier at once offered himself.
"Spare neither yourself, nor your horse, and come back at once," was the emperor's command, as the gallant young soldier put spurs to his horse and galloped off. He went through a veritable hail of bullets from the enemy but he safely delivered Napoleon's message to the general.
Back again he started, and in fifteen minutes he was at the Emperor's side again.
"You have done well," said Napoleon. "I give you the rank of captain, in my personal guard."
"Thank you sir; but it's too late. I'm killed," replied the gallant young officer, and fell back dead.
That was a wonderful act of devotion and bravery, and when I read it my thoughts turned to another act of devotion which shall never be forgotten throughout eternity.
When God in heaven would send a message — a wonderful message of love and mercy — to this world He sent His beloved Son. There was no one else whom He could send on such a mission. And Jesus offered Himself willingly, for He said, "Lo! I come to do Thy will, 0 God." He knew what the cost would be — His life, that awful death of the cross; but come He would, that He might bring God's love and so great salvation down not to His friends but to His enemies here below.
All Satan's power was put forth to withstand Him, all man's wickedness came out against Him, and all God's righteous judgment against sin was poured out upon Him at Calvary. But He went through it all that He might prove God's love to us.
He has done it. He has accomplished His work. He laid down His life; His precious blood flowed in His death, but that was the seal of God's great love. For "God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:88But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8).
Now the glad tidings can be proclaimed to sinners everywhere.
Memory Verse
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, . . . and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phil 2:9-11.
Messages of the Love of God 12/7/1975