During World War II, as Hitler’s armies raced across France, thousands of
Allied troops dug in along the coast of northern France in a last-ditch
effort to hold off the German forces. Trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk,
they knew they would soon face an annihilating attack by the Nazis. As the
battle drew closer and rescue seemed impossible, the British troops sent a
radio message across the English Channel in just three words: “And if not.”
Some thought it was a coded transmission.
Actually it’s great significance comes from the Bible. In Daniel 3
Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar had three Israeli captives (Hanaiah, Azariah,
Mishael) condemned to die in a furnace. Their fate was sealed. In v. 17
they proclaimed faith in their God to deliver them from this certain death.
But in v. 18 they added “And if not” we are willing to die.
This message – of a fervent faith that they would be rescued from Dunkirk’s
beaches, but of a resignation to die if need be in the fight to keep England
free – was then told across Great Britain. Small boats and ships from
around that island nation began a heroic effort to cross the English channel
and rescue these men of valor and faith. They succeeded.
Would God we believers in America today had that same dedication and faith
that, when faced with great trials or even death, we would say . . “And if
not”.
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
[email protected] www.grif.net
“Jesus Knows Me, This I Love!”