[197 words]
I knew a man in Africa who was a farmer during the Bush War in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. Terrorists often attacked farmers in those days and as he looked out the window one day, he saw a group of armed communist terrorists approaching the farmhouse. He quickly told his pregnant wife to run out the back door and hide while he began defending his home. Their numbers prevailed and he was killed. After the terrorists left, his wife found her husband in the house where he had multiple gunshot wounds. She gave birth very soon after that. Her husband gave his life for her because he loved her.
Jesus gave His life willingly to save us from eternal destruction. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23). “Much more than having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him” (Rom 5:9). Jesus died for us because He loved us.
May His loving selfless act provoke our love in return and spur us on to greater service. He loved us (Rom. 8:37).
Rick Laing
Highland Village Church of Christ
Austin, TX