Gettysburg - Part II

After viewing the introductory film, we were ushered into a circular room to view the cyclorama. A cyclorama was a popular form of entertainment in the 1800's. It was a large oil painting on canvas that usually depicted epic events. The "Battle of Gettysburg" cyclorama is 359 feet long and 27 feet high and depicts the final day of battle on July 3, 1863. Some scenery such as grasses, shrubs, and cannons has been added around the base of the picture to give it a 3-D effect.

Viewing the cyclorama is a multi-sensory experience. As the story is told, you are standing in the middle of the room completely surrounded by the painting. It literally feels as if you are in the middle of the action. You ponder the chaos of war around you -- burning homes, staggering horses, fallen soldiers. You hear cannons meet their mark and feel the booming vibrations in your feet and feel the thud in your chest. Bright flashes behind the painting direct your attention to a new hit. It is a sobering experience.

Scripture tells us that living a life of faith is to experience a spiritual battle. "Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Eph. 6:11-12) We may endure harsh words that cut like a bayonette, or feel the searing strike of betrayal. Perhaps we struggle with fear or depression that feels like a dull and constant roar of chaos in the back of our minds -- seemingly ever-present and never-ending. Remember that Jesus endured harsh words and betrayal. He felt emotions like grief and anger. He endured the cross so that those who believe could have eternal life. He understands our pain. "In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered." (Heb. 5:7-8)

Throughout His life and ministry on earth, Jesus never lost His focus. He was here to do the will of His Father. We need to be accomplishing His will in our lives. "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb. 12:1-2) Come alongside those who are staggering and struggling on the battlefield of life and encourage them. Pray for them and with them. Remember that we are a witness for our Savior. We must teach our children what it means to be a soldier of Christ.

As the cyclorama presentation closed, the narrator read a quote by Union Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain that I found powerful and worthy of consideration:

"In great deeds, something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear, but spirits linger, to consecrate the ground for the vision-place of souls. Generations that know us not and that we know not of, [are] heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them..."

Paul instructs Timothy to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called..." (1 Tim. 6:11-12)

When future generations hear your life story, what will your legacy look like?
Will they see a life of faith and obedience?
Will they see Jesus?