In Michael Mann's 1992 movie adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans", Daniel Day-Lewis gives a memorable portrayal of Hawkeye, a white man taken and raised by Mohican Indians, who now finds himself irretreivably in love with the eldest daughter of British Colonel Edmund Munro. The film chronicles the events as a twisted Huron, named Magua, seeks to exact revenge on the colonel and his two daughters.
Magua does, indeed, kill Colonel Munro and ultimately captures both of his daughters - - Cora (played by Madeleine Stowe) and Alice. Along with the two young women, the warrior has also brought Major Duncan Heyward, whose love was spurned by Cora and whose charge it is to protect the colonel's offspring. As Magua presents his captives to the Huron chief, or sachem, he pleads to be rewarded with both women so that he might torture and kill them. Hawkeye, having been in pursuit of Magua's party for days, arrives at the Huron village only to find that he is, seemingly, too late. So, out of his love for Cora, Hawkeye drops his weapons and marches directly into the encampment and into the face of the wrath of the Huron people.
Magua presents his case to the sachem and then awaits the chief's judgment. What happens next is awesome! Watch & listen to this scene. Don't miss the subtitles!
In the same way, Jesus, even though we spurned his love, gave himself as a sacrifice in our place. Roman's 5:8 says just that: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
It is this sacrificial love that we remember, once again, this Friday - - Good Friday. And we remember the One who loved us so much that, even though it would cost him his life, he shouted above the roar of the evil hoard, "Take me!"
It is inferred in the movie, that Cora and Hawkeye not only realize what Major Heyward does but they appreciate and take advantage of it.
Jesus died in your place. He took on himself the guilt of your sin and carried it to His grave. Do you appreciate that? Will you take advantage of this opportunity He has given you?
That's the challenge.
This is Challenge Pointe.
Semper Fidelis.
Doug
