We visited the Freedom Museum near Arnhem. It tells the story of the liberation of the Netherlands from German control at the end of WW2. This area was the center of two campaigns by the Allied forces, Market Garden (a failed attempt to end the war quickly) and Veritable (the operation that eventually opened the northern route into Germany). The museum helps tell the story of the Dutch reticence to fight against the Nazis, their ultimate subjugation, and the rise of a resistance movement. The overarching message is that evil must be opposed and cannot be ignored. In front of the museum is a new exhibit, a captured and destroyed Russian tank from Kyiv. “It serves as a warning against Putin's relentless war, which poses a grave threat to freedom and democracy in Europe. At the same time it serves as a call to action to keep supporting Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion” (museum website). It's an amazing place with a profound message about actively fighting for freedom.
One of the interactive exhibits is an air raid bunker. After entering the bunker, audio begins to build to simulate explosions. The sound grows nearer and louder until it is overwhelming. The simulation is intense. The real thing must have been traumatic to endure. At the far end of the bunker was a brown poster from an actual local bomb shelter. The word “Jezus” caught my attention. Using the Google Translate function on my phone I read the words (see the picture above). In air raids. I am sorry for my sins, and pray out of love, not fear, to God: My Jesus, Mercy!
So many things about this prayer spoke to me. First, they knew trouble was coming and that they needed to help people survive in these isolated bunkers, not just physically, but spiritually. This was not a hand-painted sign, but typeset and printed. These flyers were in lots of places. Second, confession is at the heart of all our approaches to God. God’s holiness is real and our sinfulness is clear and it is often the hindrance to our relationship with God. Third, it is love not fear that draws us to God. One of the most common commands in the Bible is “Fear Not.” 1 John 4:18 says, “... perfect love casts out fear.” Fear is the tool of the enemy. Love is the provision of God. Fourth, is the word ‘My.’ The person who wrote and printed this prayer had a real and personal relationship with Jesus. Nothing can substitute for that intimacy. Fifth, we take all our requests to Jesus who walked this earth, faced the temptations we face, and prevailed. Jesus can take us through anything.
It’s a good prayer. We should pray it more often.