A QUESTION OF FAITH
With Major Carol Evans. Hinckley Salvation Army TOMORROW (23th April) we celebrate St George’s Day. A number of myths surround this Patron Saint of England but the legend with which he is most commonly associated is that of slaying the ferocious dragon.
The story tells of how George arrived at a village to discover that a great dragon had arrived, terrorising the people and causing widespread fear. The people had been feeding sheep to the dragon to appease it, but now he was demanding that young maidens be sacrificed to him one by one. On the day George arrived it was the turn of the King’s own daughter. He was frightened at the thought of what needed to be done but he prayed that God would help him and, being determined to save the princess, he bravely stood up to the dragon in her place. It was no easy feat but in time good conquered evil, the dragon fell dead at the hero’s feet and the people cheered, expressing gratitude for the one who had put his own life at risk to save theirs.
We are facing a “dragon” of our own in these days, aren’t we? Each week we go out into the street to cheer on our heroes: amazing NHS workers; carers; shop workers to name but a few. These are people who in the present day are putting themselves at risk in order to provide for our needs, keep us safe and work towards victory over the terrifying virus that is affecting us all. How we thank God for our heroes and marvel at their courage and just as St George prayed as he went into battle, maybe we should do the same for those who battle against the dragon on our behalf, asking that God will strengthen and protect frontline workers who unselfishly put their lives on the line for the sake of others.
As a Christian this reminds me of another sacrifice that I believe was made in order to win victory over the evil in this world and even over death. In the bible we read of Jesus speaking about the greatness of people putting their lives on the line for others – and then of how He did that very thing by dying on the cross before being raised to life again 3 days later. Scripture explains that by doing so he …. “disarmed the principalities and powers of this world …. triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15
For me, it means that whatever dragon I face in this life I know that ultimately I am saved and safe. It is why I choose Jesus as my ultimate hero and why I encourage you to do the same.