Articles
To Save Others
Nicholas Winton is a name you probably haven’t heard of. Yet 669 people who would have otherwise died owe their lives to him. During the Holocaust of WW2, Winton provided funds and logistics to help 669 Jewish Czechoslovakian children to escape to England. Most of their parents died in the showers and bullets of Auschwitz.
Several years ago, a British TV show located a number of these children, now adults, and invited them to a special episode honoring Nicholas Winton. Winton was in the audience but did not know that he was the subject of the program. As the host described his work on behalf of the children, she asked if anyone in the audience had been saved by Winton’s brave work. About two-dozen people rose from their seats surrounding Winton and give him an ovation. Tears flowed, including mine in watching a video of this. (I recommend locating this and watching for yourself – with a Kleenex.)
It was quite moving to see people who had been given a chance at life, who had families of their own, who became productive citizens – all because of the selfless bravery of one man. But then I thought … what will it be like in heaven when the Lord will stand amidst millions of saints who owe their eternal welfare to Him?
It was admirable of Nicholas Winton to risk his life for those children, but Jesus sacrificed His life so that all who desire to live might do so. It was generous for Mr. Winton to offer a way of escape to helpless children who had done nothing wrong, but Jesus offered Himself that sinners might escape the fate they brought upon themselves. Nicholas Winton did not personally know the children he saved, but Jesus knows each of us. And He not only redeemed us from sin, but He continues to help, support and encourage each of us in our daily journey toward heaven.
No wonder, then, that the great multitude cried with a loud voice: “‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ And all the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen’” (Rev 7:10-12). The Lord died for us in humiliation, but He will forever receive the glory and praise He deserves from those He has saved. Don’t you want to be part of that?
