Come and See

There’s a news item from a few years back that has remained in my mind.  A stranger had leapt in front of an oncoming train and onto a child who had just fallen onto the train tracks.  He was willing to put his own life at risk, to save the life of another.  Both survived; thanks to his courage and quick thinking.  He was celebrated as a hero.  Despite his humble protests, the family of the child were understandably insistent on doing something to say ‘thankyou’ for saving their child’s life.

What is it that motivates someone to give their life for another? Is it instinct? Is it courage? Is it a sense of duty? Is it military training?  And how does one adequately respond if they are the recipient of such a gift?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

It was love for you and the world around you, which was God’s motivation in doing so.  An outrageous, out of this world, extravagant and ongoing love.  Jesus gave his life willingly, taking on the sin of the world (every form of wrongdoing, evil, guilt, shame, and condemnation) so that if we choose, we can receive forgiveness for ours and walk in loving relationship with our Heavenly Father.  In return, He asks for and desires relationship with us; to walk with us (for Us to be His people and Him to be Our God).

As Christians we have responded with a ‘yes’ to this offer of relationship.

A ‘yes’ to turning from being self-centred to being Christ-centred.

A ‘yes’ to trusting in Jesus for forgiveness of our sins and life eternal.

We walk, learning to trust in His love for us, and to be about His plans for the world around us.

Every person on the planet has the same choice before them, what do you choose?