Pr. 16:15: “In the light of the king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.”
Yesterday I heard a story about a soldier whose life was saved by the sacrifice of one of his fellow soldier’s own life. He said that his days are now lived in light and in honor of that sacrifice. The point brought up by the lady relaying this story was that it is a concept generally accepted that when someone lays down their life specifically for you, then it is logical for you to want to live your life in a way that honors that sacrifice.
Does that concept sound familiar to you? Jesus laid down His life for each and everyone one of us. Our lives have been saved because one man offered Himself up in exchange for us. Are we living in a way that brings honor to His sacrifice? Are we trampling on His sacrifice, living as though what He did was of no consequence?
Hearing that soldier say that his life is now lived in honor of the life of the other makes him sound very honorable. He will be well-respected by almost everyone for making a statement like that, and more so by following through with what he said. The other soldier’s parents, in particular, will receive much more comfort knowing that their son did not die in vain for someone who was ungrateful, uncaring, or unworthy.
That’s just it, though, isn’t it? Was he really worthy of the life of their own son? No. No one will ever be as cherished in their eyes as their own son. However, they understand their son’s sacrifice was out of love for his fellow soldier and out of his own desire that his fellow soldier would not die.
Certainly none of us are worthy of the sacrifice of Jesus; however, He counted us worthy out of His overwhelming love for us, and His desire that we live eternally with Him in heaven. God does not desire than any should perish, so He willingly sacrificed His own Son for our salvation. Are we living lives of gratitude in light of that sacrifice? Are we honoring God with our actions, decisions, words, and goals? Who are we trying to honor?
Isn’t Jesus worthy of our honor, respect, and gratitude? He offered Himself up specifically for you…for me. In the light of His face there truly is life…eternal life. And the blessings that come from His latter rain shine His favor upon us, saving even in these last days. His salvation is still freely offered to one and all.
If you believe Jesus died for you, live a life that proves it. Show your gratitude to Him by honoring Him with your life. Isn’t that the very least we can do for the One who gave His very own life for our own?
Praise Him now!
jamie
considering the word 