You probably heard the expression before, if you don't like the weather in Texas just wait it'll change, and you've also heard everything is bigger in Texas. The ranches, the belt buckles, the cowboy hats, but the most famous slogan about Texas is remember the Alamo.
Violent battles and bravery of iconic heroes have been the stuff of legends, throughout which entire cultures often draw their identity and Pride. Even long after centuries have passed, and in Texas the story of the Alamo has been a rallying cry of Texas Independence for 200 years. One reason that Texans love to brag that everything is bigger in Texas is of course because Texas is the largest of the lower 48 US states. It's hard to believe that this massive state got its beginning in a very small Christian mission during the Battle of the Alamo.
Every year, this famous mission museum receives over two-and-a-half million visitors from all parts of the planet, that are eager to get a good look at this legendary site. The Alamo played a critical role in the Texas Revolution. In December 1835 Texans, and Tejano volunteers battled Mexican troops quartered in the city forcing General Martin Perfecto de Cos to surrender.
The victorious volunteers then occupied the Alamo and strengthened its defenses. Famous Americans like Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, and Colonel William Travis, made this location this ancient mission, the beachhead, the last stand in an epic battle to win independence of Texas from Mexico.
On February 23rd, 1836 the arrival of General Antonio Lopez Santa Ana nearly caught them by surprise. Undaunted, the Texans and Tejanos prepared to defend the Alamo, for this small ragtag group of rebels the youngest of who was about 16 and the oldest 75 was against the well-trained and organized Mexican army of 6,000 plus soldiers. It was a fierce and lopsided battle yet the small force of rebels was able to repel the troops for 13 days.
Legend holds that with the possibility of additional help fading, Colonel Travis drew a line in the ground with a sword, and asked any man willing to stay and fight, to step over the line. All except one crossed over. The final assault came before daybreak, on the morning of March 6, 1836, the thirteenth day of the siege cannon, and small arms fire from inside the Alamo beat back several Mexican attacks.
Regrouping, Santa Anna's soldiers scaled the walls, and rushed into the compound, the desperate struggle continued until the defenders were overwhelmed. By sunrise the battle had ended, and the garrison was slain. Historians may debate some of the details regarding the Battle of the Alamo, but none of them questioned the incredible sacrifice that was made and the courage that was displayed during that intense conflict. They made the ultimate sacrifice giving their lives, and this is why the story of the Alamo is so inspiring and so encouraging, and that's why the Bible is so inspiring friends, because someone was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and give his life so that you can have freedom, and eternal life.
Don't you think you could trust your life to a friend like that would give everything? The story of the gospel is a story of courage, and hope, it's a story of a God who will never leave you without defense and support. Jesus is the good news, and the gospel is a story worth remembering.