GREAT SACRIFICE Zechariah 2
“For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.” (v8)
W.T. Stead, an innovative journalist at the turn of the 20th century, was known for writing about, controversial social issues. Two of the articles he published addressed the danger of ships operating with an insufficient ratio of life boats to passengers. Ironically, Stead was aboard the Titanic when it struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912.
According to one report, after helping women and children into lifeboats, Stead sacrificed his own life by giving up his life vest and a place in the lifeboat so others could be rescued.
There is something very stirring about self-sacrifice. The writer of Hebrewssays, “This Man after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sad down at the right hand of God… For by one offering He has perfected those who are being sacrificed” (Hebrews 10 12, 14 NKJV) In his letter to the Galatians, Paul opened with words describing this great sacrifice: “The Lord Jesus Christ… gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age.” (Galatians 13:4) Jesus’ offering of Himself on our behalf is the measure of His love for us. That willing sacrifice continues to rescue men and women and offer assurance of eternity with Him.
PRAYER LINE: God of love and grace, words can never capture the wonder of the sacrifice that Christ offered on our behalf. May our love respond to You with faith and worship – for Your Son who was slain is worthy of our praise.
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Jesus laid down His life to show His love for us. (ODB)