The Top Shelf: The Self-Sacrificing God — Tuesday
2 Corinthians 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (NIV)
“Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” These were the words of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy during his inaugural address on January 20, 1961. The simple message of sacrifice has helped the United States of America rise from a small group of colonies to the greatest nation in the world. Kennedy and other leaders in our country’s history realized that when we sacrifice for others, the results are profound.
Our Father God made the greatest sacrifice when He sent his only Son, Jesus, to the cross to die in our place. On the cross, God poured out His wrath on Jesus, so that when we surrender our lives to Jesus, we do not have to face the same wrath. Our sin is paid for, and we receive the righteousness of God.
Looking back at our collective American history, we can point to sacrifices large and small that have resulted in our blessing and freedom. Looking back at our spiritual history, we can see many people’s sacrifices, but the greatest of these was the sacrifice of Jesus. He is the greatest example of sacrifice, and so this morning, I will leave you with His words.
Tuesday’s Reflection
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 ESV). May these words echo in your heart today and propel you toward acts of sacrifice this week.
