God’s Grace Makes the Difference

Civil War Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, of the Union Army received orders from General George Meade to shoot 120 deserters, or take them with him into battle at Gettysburg.

At this point, the Union army was demoralized and in disarray, and Chamberlain's decision would be a monumental one. He had just minutes to decide about the fate of the deserters. Should he order them to be executed, or should he take them with him into battle?

The Colonel stood in front of the 120 deserters, and ordered that the frightened men be unshackled. He fed them a meal. And then he told them that he was ordered to shoot those who wouldn’t follow him into battle, but he promised them that he wouldn’t do that. He said to the deserters, "This is free ground. I’m not to asking you to fight and die for dirt. We all have value, as human beings. What we're all fighting for, in the end, is each other."

When Chamberlain finished his speech, 116 of the 120 deserters joined him in his march to Gettysburg, helping to turn the tide of war for the Union army on that historic battlefield. These men were willing to follow, and even die for the idea that all people have value.

My late husband, Fred, was a soul winner, and he taught others to be soul winners. He said that if we could truly understand the value that God placed on each individual, His love would compel us to go out and bring others to Jesus Christ.

The Bible says: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.“ (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Always remember that any value we might have is because of God’s amazing grace!

Blessings,

Willie Jordan (Mrs. Fred Jordan)