Holocaust Documents Opened

The Red Cross has decided to make public World War II archives from the International Tracing Service. The organization owns records from the infamous Nazi persecution known as the Holocaust.

That horrendous event was the state-sponsored, systematic persecution and annihilation of European Jews by Nazi Germany. Between 1933 and 1945 approximately six million Jews were killed - which factors out to be 2 of every 3 who lived in occupied Europe.

It seems that the Nazi regime kept precise records on their own crimes which have been revealed in no less than 50 million documents. The world has long been shocked at the inhumane brutality inflicted during the Holocaust and may now have details on how and when so many met their unjust and unmerciful end.

The sheer scope of the WWII atrocities rivals anything in human history. But even these horrifying numbers are but the proverbial ‘drop in the bucket’ when compared to the overall number of sins committed by all of us stretching from Eden's Garden until the present hour.

In Psalm 51 a repentant David recognized that his personal offense went far beyond the human sphere. In verse 4 he cries out to a holy God, “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight.” This understanding was crucial. But it was also only step one of the restoration process.

Many comprehend that they have sinned. Some even see their offense as ultimately against their Creator. But to stop at that point accomplishes nothing.

David shows his spiritual perception by taking step two in verses 7 and 10. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” His cry of admittance back in verse 4 was then matched by his plea for cleansing – the reality of a serious desire to again be right with God.

But then David reveals a third step in the process, and one often overlooked by Christians even after they restore fellowship with the Lord. In verse 13 he declares, “Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You."

”This man’s desire stretched beyond even regaining the joy of His salvation and close companionship with the God he loved. His goal was also to outwardly evidence his walk with God and thereby draw others to his Lord. That completes the final stage and should be the concluding aspect of every restoration equation.

When believers sincerely and humbly approach God to deal with some sin issue, large or small, their desire and their duty should always lead to verse 15. “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.”

Bill Breckenridge