What would you do? How about Jesus? Scripture tells us that it is rare that anyone would die for a good and righteous man. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:7-8) Christ died for the ungodly (Rom 5:6) for Barabbas, whose name means son of a father, a generic name that can be applied to every one of us. We all have sinned and have become ungodly. Jesus did more than die for family or friends. He died for the ungodly, for His enemies; and Scripture says that human beings have a mind that makes them enemies of God (Col 1:21 That cross was not just for Barabbas but it was every man’s cross. It was your cross and mine. Jesus took your place and mine. We should forever be thankful to the One who laid down His life for each of us. Life should be lived with that worshipful gratitude to the Lamb of God who, on His own accord, took our place. Often we tend to overestimate our love for Jesus. Jesus told His disciples you are my friends (Jn 15:14), just after declaring that a true friend would lay down his life for his friends. Jesus demonstrated His friendship by dying not just for His friends, but also His worst enemies. And through His word He now tells us are you my friend? Will you lay down your life for me? Peter thought it was easy and declared he would do so, Jesus, knowing Peters impulsive ways and weaknesses, asked him Will you really lay down your life for me? (Jn 13:37-38). Subsequent failure helped Peter to mature and be restored to a new level of discipleship (Jn 21) and in the same token today if we are ever confronted by a situation like this It calls for the death of self and the display of love that is willing to lay down life (making costly and painful sacrifices) for family, friends, strangers and even enemies. It becomes a lesson learned within the Heart.
Posted on: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 15:26:49 +0000
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