Earlier this year we passed a historic date in our nation’s history: the Invasion of Nazi- Occupied Normandy in France. June 6, 1944 is now known as “D-Day.” That operation brought together land, air and sea forces of the allied armies. It was the largest invasion force in human history.

The paratroopers were assigned what was probably the most difficult task of the initial operation—a night jump, behind enemy lines, five hours before the naval fleets would hit the beaches. They flew over from England, which took about 2-3 hours.

Over 13,000 elite paratroopers of the American 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were organized to make the night drop into Nazi-occupied France, where German forces were waiting to engage them.

C-47 airplanes hauled the paratroopers—18 men per plane. Most men were lost in their own thoughts or prayers. They were just kids, fresh out of high school.

Nobody sang. Nobody cheered. Nobody joked. The men sat along the sides of the plane, facing each other, lost in thought.

The pilots gave the paratroopers a choice; they could ride with the door off, giving them fresh air and a chance to get out quickly if the plane was hit, or they could ride with the door in place, which gave them the opportunity to smoke.

Sergeant Carwood Lipton was the jump master of his plane. That put him near the front of the aircraft. He requested the door be removed. He laid on the floor with his head partly out the door.

Most of the men were asleep when the plane crossed the Channel close to midnight. But Lipton was too deep in thought. He looked down and saw a sight below him in the channel that no one had ever seen before, nor would anyone ever see again, a sight that every man who was in the air that night never forgot: the allied invasion fleet, 6,000 vessels strong, heading toward Normandy.

Those vessels included battleships, destroyers, minesweepers, and assault craft. They were carrying artillery support, extra weapons, ammunition, food, medical supplies, tanks, fuel, and more importantly, 132,000 ground troops. What a powerful force!

It was a turning point for Lipton. Reflecting back on that moment, 40 years after D-day, he said: “An invasion fleet is the most impressive sight in the world.” It filled him with courage and hope.

How could a glimpse of that fleet serve as such a tremendous encouragement? It tangibly reminded him that he and his men were not alone. That image represented assurance, security, and victory. Even years later, Lipton is still in awe of what he saw.

What is the most impressive sight in the world for you, as a Christian? What sight could you see or truth could you hear that would fill you with courage and hope?

For many Christians throughout history, the answer to that question has been Romans chapter eight. Of course, it’s a mistake to elevate one portion of Scripture above another. All Scripture is profitable. But it’s also foolish to ignore those parts of God’s Word that have proven especially useful throughout the history of the church. This chapter is one of those passages.

One theologian and pastor I love and trust said: “The greatest book in the world is the Bible; the greatest letter in that book is Romans; and the greatest chapter in that letter is chapter eight.”

Romans eight is a treasure. Another student of Scripture said, “If the church could hoist its sails and catch this wind, there is no knowing what might happen.” Amen.

An interesting feature of the chapter which is not always noticed is that there is not a single imperative. No commands. There is no “to-do” list here or grocery list of rules to follow. No marching orders. Just standing in wonder at the position you gain through Christ. Comprehend it. Realize it. Enjoy it. Relish, celebrate, and rehearse what Jesus has already done for us.

So we’ll take the next few posts to enjoy the implications and realities of what Jesus has done on our behalf. But before we go, here’s a parting thought. There are no commands in Romans chapter eight, but there are plenty of invitations. Here’s one of them:

If we agree that many people have been helped by this passage, maybe it’s time to ask ourselves if these are the kinds of Scriptures we use to encourage people—and to encourage ourselves when we are facing doubt, adversity, affliction, or persecution.

When you feel weak and defeated, which Scriptures do you turn to? Why not consider reading Romans chapter eight, out loud, to yourself? Read it as God’s love letter to you. That’s exactly what it is. Read it as God’s vows to you in Christ. Behold the most impressive sight in the world. Consider the victory you had through Jesus. Hoist your sails, and see what happens.

We’ll dig into the chapter together next post...