Sacrifice of Love

One of the themes that ran through the movie last night was that of personal sacrifice for others. Jesus spoke of this kind of character in John 15:12-13. He said,

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Peter, Susan, Emund, and Lucy had been sent to the professor's house to protect them from the war that threatened their lives back home. As parents our hearts were torn as we thoroughly understood the anguish of that moment of seperation. Already suffering seperation from their father, their mother had chosen what was best for the safety of her children, although it meant she too would be seperated from them for the duration of the war. It reminds of so many families today who will be seperated because of the war in Iraq. Bravely they press on making tremendous sacrifices.

The eldest, Peter, now feels the responsibility of protecting his brother and sisters. As his character develops he overcomes his own fear and rises heroically to the challenge. Even Edmund, who selfishness puts everone in danger at the beginnings, comes rushing to the rescue without regard for his own safety, as the story nears it climax.

Of course the most powerfuly illustration is Asland, offering himself without struggle to pay the penalty for Edmund's treachery. It is this moment that teaches us such profound truth.

Jesus Christ, who is called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah" in Revelation 5:5, laid down his life to pay for the sins of the entire world. Jesus said in John 10:17-18

The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.

This morning I give thanks to God for His great love revealed in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. There on the cross he paid the awful price for my sin. He died so that we might live. This morning, I want you to know that you don't have to continue living under the burden of past sin and failure. The price has been paid! You can be free! Have a blessed day!

(Image from www.canmag.com)