Sacrifice

George Washington is considered the “Father Of His Country”.  The title bestowed on Washington is understandable due to his service as a politician, military leader and the first president of the United States.  In fact, considering all that he did for the nation, it is fitting that President’s Day be so closely tied to his name (and his birthday – February 22).  The legend and accurate history of George Washington are often difficult to separate.  Many of the stories we learned as youngsters may or may not have happened, but there is overwhelming proof that he is a true American hero.  While it is easy to laud the impact Washington had on our nation, it is also important to recall the price he paid to become a preeminent Founding Father.  General Washington took on the responsibility of commanding a rag-tag band of part-time soldiers to fight the British military machine.  His dedication to the cause came at the expense of his own personal comforts, his peace of mind and his ability to enjoy his beloved home at Mount Vernon.  Even after the end of the hostilities he gave up the “good life” on the Potomac for the challenges of fashioning a new government born from a new way of thinking.  Eventually, civilian George Washington would get a chance to rest and relax; but that time would be short-lived.
As I reminisced about President Washington, I got to thinking about those who sacrifice for the benefit of others.  I would imagine most nations have their own versions of George Washington.  Each one of us, individually, can tell a story or two about someone who has sacrificed to make our lives better.  Yet, at the center of this discussion, one Figure stands brightest.  Of all those who sacrificed so that people can become the best they can be there is no greater name than Father God.    Mankind’s relationship with God is – to say the least – complex.  God created us and the world in which we live.  God cared enough about mankind to provide us with the ability to think and reason for ourselves; however, that freedom led to the most challenging layer of our relationship – sin.  Yet, God was not finished with us, He was willing to sacrifice even more to build a bridge of reconciliation.  God coveted a relationship with us so much that He sent is Son to earth so that He might show us the way to live and provide us a path to redemption.  As the Apostle John recorded the life and times of Jesus he observed, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-17).  Put simply, our Father in heaven is more than a hero; He is the Almighty Creator, Sustainer and Savior!

Popular posts from this blog

At The Foot Of The Cross

I like a lot of the old classic hymns, but there is one that I struggle to sing – The Old Rugged Cross .  I understand that George Bennard’s masterpiece has an allure to a lot of people, but honestly, there are some phrases that get stuck in my mind and in my heart.  I find it hard to vocalize that “I love that old cross” or that I can see its “wondrous beauty”.  No, I don’t have any scriptural issues with the song, nor do I feel we should stop singing it – it’s just not one of my favorites. While I may struggle with Mr. Bennard’s description of the cross, I do appreciate the imagery of emotionally standing at the foot of the cross and being reminded of its lessons.   When I look at the cross, here are a few things I notice: 1).   My inability to be personally successful in life .   Everything I have and everything I hope for comes from Jesus.   Whether it is internal peace or external success, it all dependent upon His work in my life.   Yet, my greatest failure comes in my inab
Read more

The Gospel Truth

During a recent Communion Service Scripture reading I was struck by a portion of John 19.  I am sure that I have read it scores of times, but this time it really got me to thinking.  When John recorded the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion he wrote, “ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe.” (John 19:35).   In the midst of making some incredible claims about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus John pauses to say, “believe me”!   As I got to thinking about the importance of this statement it reminded me that we all have to be honest with the gospel – not just John (whose words would transcend time) – but every one of us.   Even though we have the written Word available to us today, we must treat it with honesty and we must be transparently truthful when discussing it.   So, how do we make this happen? 1.   We must know what the Bible says (and doesn’t say) .    Truth begins w
Read more

Spiritual Computer Safety

When I took a computer class in college the highlight of the course was getting to actually see the computer – which was housed in a room by itself.  During the semester I also remember seeing a smaller piece of equipment (I think they called it a “personal computer” because of it its size), but  I didn’t pay too much attention to it because, after all, if it took a computer the size of a classroom to do simple accounting processes what could that dinky thing do?  That was circa 1980 ... it is incredible how things have changed! Often, when we discuss computers and spirituality, we tend to focus on pornography, but that’s not the direction I want to take this discussion.   Computers – complete with the development of the internet and the prevalence of social media – impact our mind and our spirit just about every day.   In light of this, I want to provide a few suggestions for keeping us spiritually safe in the modern technological world. 1.   Don’t take to heart everything we se
Read more