JESUS SPEAKING
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3: 16.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
God is a loving Father who cares deeply for every man, woman, and child who has ever lived. In fact, His love is so profound that He sent His only Son to suffer the punishment for our sins; that we might receive the gift of eternal life. Because Jesus Christ was whipped, beaten, mocked, spit upon, and crucified, the world has come to know the love of an almighty God; his pierced hands and feet are perpetual reminders of the awesome measure of His affections. Without sacrifice there is no proof of genuine love.
Many years ago a man named William Dixon lived in Brackenwaite, England. As a widower, his only son had also been tragically killed. An elderly grandmother living near him was raising her orphaned grandson. One day their home caught on fire; although the aged woman was rescued, her grandson remained trapped in the blaze. Acting quickly, Mr. Dixon climbed an iron pipe on the side of the house; lowering the boy to safety. As a result, the hand he used to hold on to the pipe was badly burned. The grandmother died shortly after the fire. As the townspeople wondered who would care for the boy, two volunteers appeared before the town council. One was a father who had lost his son and wanted to adopt the orphan. The other individual was William Dixon. When given the opportunity to speak, Mr. Dixon said nothing. Instead, he simply raised his scarred hand in the air for everyone to see. The vote was taken, and the boy was given to Dixon.
Like Mr. Dixon, Jesus Christ endured much suffering to save us from certain death. His scarred hands and feet are perpetual reminders of His unfading love. Who better to call our master and Lord than the one who willingly sacrificed his life so that we could live? We, having received salvation, are then compelled to lay down our lives for others; embracing the attributes of sacrifice, selflessness, and service. God, through our acts of kindness and love, will continue to make known to the world the fullness of His affections.
“Lord Heavenly Father we thank You for Your immeasurable love. We praise you Jesus for the pain that you endured on the cross for us. May we be continually filled with gratitude. May we also follow Your example and lay down our lives to serve others. Give us the strength to forfeit our fleshly desires; that we might love our fellows as You have so graciously loved us. We honor You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 