In 1943 an American ship was torpedoed just off the coast of Greenland. This attack resulted in the loss of many lives. It was a time for fear, and uncertainty but also a time for courage, bravery and love.

Four chaplains were on that boat. They became known as “heroes” to many who learned what happened on that tragic night. The ship was the USS Dorchester that was hit by a German torpedo on this terrible frigid night in 1943.

Each of the four chaplains took off his life vest and gave it to a frightened young sailor as the ship was sinking. The chaplains had decided that they would go down with the ship so that many of those young men would live.

They linked arms as they stood on the deck of the sinking ship; they prayed aloud so that men could hear them for encouragement and hope. These “soldiers of God” stood alert having made the decision that they would give their lives, going down with ship to offer strength for others. All the while the shipmates were scattering, some even jumping overboard hoping to find a place in overcrowded lifeboats. On the sinking deck, the chaplains continued to pray aloud and offer encouragement to the people on the floundering ship.

On that dark day in 1943, four men of God showed the world the meaning of selfless love. Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Could there be any greater example of this Scripture than the sacrifice of these four men in this great crisis? As far as men sacrificing for each other, this is the epitome.

What a great sacrifice each one made. Now look at the greatest sacrifice in history when Jesus died for the world. That death on the cross was the greatest sacrifice!

Jesus paid it all;

All to Him I owe.

Sin had left a crimson stain;

He washed it white as snow.

WRITE THE PASTOR AT PASTOR BILL@FIRSTAGCC.ORG