1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
The date is June 24, 1859. Suddenly, there he is, atop a
hill overlooking the plain of Solferino. Napoleon's troops prepare for battle
with the Austrians below, and Henri Dunant has a box-seat view from his place
on the hill.
Trumpets blare, muskets crack and cannons boom. The two armies
crash into each other, as Henri looks on, transfixed. He sees the dust rising.
He hears the screams of the injured. He watches bleeding, maimed men take their
last breaths as he stares in horror at the scene below.
Henri doesn't mean to be there. He is only on a business
trip - to speak to Napoleon III about a financial transaction between the Swiss
and the French. But he arrived late and now finds himself in a position to
witness first-hand the atrocities of war.
What Henri sees from his hill, however, pales in
comparison with what he is soon to witness. Entering a small town shortly after
the fierce encounter, Henri now observes the battle's refugees. Every building
is filled with the mangled, the injured, and the dead. Henri, aching with pity,
decides to stay in the village three more days to comfort the young soldiers.
He realizes that his life will never be the same again.
Driven by a powerful passion to abolish war, Henri Dunant will eventually lose
his successful banking career and all his worldly possessions only to die as a
virtual unknown in an obscure poorhouse.
But we remember Henri today because he was the first
recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (in 1901). We also remember him because of
the movement he founded - the Red Cross.
Act One of Henri Dunant's life closed June 24, 1859. Act
Two opened immediately and played the remainder of his 81 years.
Many people's lives can be divided into Act One and Act
Two. The first performance ends when one decides to ultimately follow a new
direction or passion. Henri Dunant's old life, driven by financial success,
prestige and power, no longer satisfied. A new Henri Dunant emerged in Act Two;
one who was motivated by love, compassion and an overriding commitment to
abolish the horrors of war.
For some, Act Two may begin with a conversion, or a
turning point. Others speak of a defining moment. However it is understood, the
"old self" is laid to rest and a new self is born - one governed by
principle, spirit and passion.
Are you ready for Act Two? If you haven’t entered act two
yet why not open that curtain today? Turn your life over to the Lord today.
Dear Lord, thank You for what You have done for each of
us. Help us to end act one and begin act two today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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