What Would You Die For?
A reading for Tuesday, July 29, 2014: Matthew 27:32-44.
Who or what would you die for? Have you ever thought about that?
It has been said that the cow makes a contribution to breakfast, but the pig is committed. While the cow contributes milk and butter and maybe cream to the table, the pig has to die in the name of ham or sausage.
How many movies have you seen in which the main character dies in the end for the cause? Even Disney movies end this way. (Interestingly enough, sometimes something magical happens and they are brought back to life again. Stay tuned...) While I don't believe these movies are Biblical, there is an undercurrent of this theme working beneath the surface of so much of our lives all the time. The question is always the same. Who or what would you die for?
It's a fundamental question, because it begins to illuminate what's really most important for us. It might show us where our cross to bear is located. "They came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross." What is most important to you? Are you ready to bear your cross?
The good news of the gospel is that Jesus has already done this for us. Jesus has endured the scorn, pain, and death of the cross so that we might live. We make a contribution to faith. Jesus was committed. Jesus died for us. Blessed are you, Lord, the God of Israel; you have come to your people and set them free.
Who or what would you die for? Have you ever thought about that?
It has been said that the cow makes a contribution to breakfast, but the pig is committed. While the cow contributes milk and butter and maybe cream to the table, the pig has to die in the name of ham or sausage.
How many movies have you seen in which the main character dies in the end for the cause? Even Disney movies end this way. (Interestingly enough, sometimes something magical happens and they are brought back to life again. Stay tuned...) While I don't believe these movies are Biblical, there is an undercurrent of this theme working beneath the surface of so much of our lives all the time. The question is always the same. Who or what would you die for?
It's a fundamental question, because it begins to illuminate what's really most important for us. It might show us where our cross to bear is located. "They came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross." What is most important to you? Are you ready to bear your cross?
The good news of the gospel is that Jesus has already done this for us. Jesus has endured the scorn, pain, and death of the cross so that we might live. We make a contribution to faith. Jesus was committed. Jesus died for us. Blessed are you, Lord, the God of Israel; you have come to your people and set them free.
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