Sacrifice

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

In the last hundred years our country has faced two world wars and other localized ones. Those who returned alive and their children have been careful to maintain an annual remembrance of the great price paid by so many to purchase our security and peace.

Wars are a necessity in a world where some will use force to subjugate or destroy others. Those who lay down their lives to preserve country and loved ones leave the ones who benefit with a great debt of gratitude – and an obligation to do their part to pass on the same privileges to the next generation.

We salute our veterans. The verse quoted above are the words of Jesus, who not only taught but exemplified the greatest love and self sacrifice ever known to man. His sacrifice is unique in its character and accomplishments. The Bible helps us understand it all. He came to this world not only at the risk of death but for the very purpose of dying for us.

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

Only by death could he pay the penalty due for the sins of others so they can live.

He came not to die for the lovely and deserving, but for sinners.

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:68)

He died to bring benefits that go beyond this world unto eternity.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)

Death was not His defeat but the path to victory. He rose from the dead and now lives a resurrection life that can never die. The founder of every other religion dies only to find himself held by the grave and unable to help those who follow him.

Jesus Christ is alive forever and keeps forever those who trust in Him.