Sometimes people forget that which is important; sometimes nations
forget too.
In the case of Alonzo Cushing, both people and a
nation forgot him and what he did. First Lieutenant Cushing, who hailed
from Delafield, Wisconsin, was part of the Union Army engaged at
Gettysburg. By July 3rd Cushing had already seen two days of battle. Now
came the ultimate test: General Lee had ordered Pickett to charge across
a field, break the Union lines, and capture the high ground.
At
the other end of that field was 22-year-old Lieutenant Cushing and his
battery of six guns.
Seeing the Confederate advance, some of
Cushing's men acted as if they were going to desert. Cushing told them
if someone tried he would be shot. He never had to make good on the
threat. Instead, he directed the barrage of his cannons to where they
would have the greatest effect.
One after another Cushing's
cannons were silenced.
Cushing himself was shot in the shoulder
and a second shot tore open his abdomen. The Lieutenant was urged to go
to the rear for treatment, but he replied he would "fight it out or die
in the attempt." Holding his exposed intestines, Cushing directed the
only one of his cannons that was still firing. This he did until a third
wound ended his life.
For his gallantry, Lieutenant Cushing
received a posthumous promotion ... and that is all.
Cushing was
forgotten until, in 1987, a lady who lived in his hometown revived his
memory and encouraged the Medal of Honor be given to the fallen
Lieutenant. For 20 years she told his story to all who would listen. For
two decades she pleaded that Congress pass a special bill that would
allow Cushing's sacrifice to be given the highest honor a grateful
nation can award.
Finally, 151 years after Lieutenant Cushing
died, the nation remembered, and the award was given.
Yes, there
are times when people forget and a nation fails to remember.
Not
so with God. The Lord always remembers His promises. Now that does not
mean He fulfills them according to our desire or our timetable. He
doesn't. He who sees all and knows all awaits that time when everything
is prepared for the fulfillment of His pledge. That is what happened
during the years God's people waited for release from Egyptian slavery.
It is what happened when Jesus was born into this world to offer
Himself as the ransom price that would win our forgiveness and
salvation. It took thousands of years before God's promise to send a
Savior was fulfilled when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
Over the
centuries many watched and waited for the Messiah's arrival, but the
Lord acted "when the fullness of time was come." It's what He does for
nations, for people, and for us, as Jesus gives Himself so we might have
a perfect life in heaven.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may I entrust
all my tomorrows into Your hands. May I do this with confidence that You
remember Your promises and will do what is right for Your people when
the fullness of time is come. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Pastor Ken
Klaus Lutheran Hour Ministries All rights reserved;
not to be duplicated without permission.
