A Text For Heroes

 

A Text For Heroes

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

Our text this morning is a text for heroes.  How often have we observed a notification of the death of a soldier, police officer, or firefighter and seen this text written underneath?  These brave souls have passed from this scene of time, often in horrific, and violent ways;  but with the purpose that others might live.  Christ is the Greatest of our heroes.  On the night before He went to the cross, He uttered these words to His disciples.  In order to understand it best, let us consider the essence of the sacrifice, ‘that a man lay down his life.’  This ‘man’ voluntarily, intentionally, purposefully, gives up that to which he has a right.  He forfeits every coming sunrise, all earthly joys, the embraces of a lover, the joy of his future, in one heroic act.  Notice, please, the purpose of this sacrifice.  He lays down his life ‘for his friends.’  This is the grand exchange of life for life, hope for hope, future for future.  Then notice, please, the value of this sacrifice.  Christ declares it to be love of the highest quality, ‘Greater, love has no man than this.’  The most poignant fact about this text is that this is exactly what Christ was about to do.  Within a few hours, He would live out this text before the eyes of those disciples.  Christ does not expect others to do what He Himself will not do.  He leads by example.  Let us dwell today upon this Hero, this Sacrifice, and pour out our hearts with love and gratitude.

Our Great and Gracious Savior,

You are the Great Hero of our soul’s salvation.

We are evermore drawn out after You,

And praise Your Holy Name, that You have saved us,

by the Sacrifice of Yourself.

Where the Bush is Burning

Tomm Tice