When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
A devotion for May 28th through June 3rd
There is a new memorial statue of Greta Friedman and Glenn McDuffie. This statue commemorates the photo taken by photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt. It was shot in New York City as the service member celebrated when Japan surrendered to end World War 2. He spotted the nurse (many of these nurses stood by the beds of his and many other wounded and fallen comrades) and thought who better to celebrate and give his thanks to.
I have an uncle who served in the U.S. Navy during this war. He was on the USS Iowa. As their ship was pulling away from Pearl Harbor, they were a ½ hour out to sea and watched the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He would tell of this horrible time with tears in his eyes. They were told to keep going “save yourselves, finish the mission you have”. As they sailed away, they helplessly watched their fellow servicemen get destroyed by bombing attacks. One after another.
There is nothing like the feeling of helplessness one feels in these times. When Glenn McDuffie saw the sign that read “Japan Surrenders the War is Over” It must have been such a feeling of joy and relief. The helplessness feeling was lifted away from him and in the distance he spotted a woman dressed like others he’d seen in those torn and battered tents that served as hospitals on the war front trying tirelessly to help heal, but more importantly stand by their bedside and give them friendly companionship during a very helpless time. The friendly nurses that stood by their side while they were in a most helpless state. He went towards her and reached out and kissed her in celebration, but most of all great thanks for what many just like her had done for so many of his fellow service men. Alfred Eisenstaedt saw Glenn and followed him to capture this moment in American History.
All through World History there has been a war going on, the war between good and evil. The Great Controversy is still going on, but Jesus won the victory for us. Much like the sign there in New York “Japan Surrenders”, Jesus spoke the even more iconic words “It is finished” (John 19:30). He defeated Satan right there for all of us and in the last days we too will be able to celebrate. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words”. (1 Thes. 4:16-18 NKJV) What a celebration it will be when we get to join Him and sing praises with The Heavenly Hosts.
By Brad Pigsley