The most moving thing about Jesus' death is he didn't have to submit to it.

Live it
I still remember September 11, 2001 and the selfless act of many New York civil servants who helped so many others and knew they probably wouldn't survive. Every time I see the video of them entering the World Trade Center towers I can't help but think of Jesus carrying his cross to Calvary. Then to see people racing down the interior stairwell and the firemen going up, I'm filled with amazement. I'm grateful for anyone who puts their life on the line for somebody else when they don't have to do it. It's then I think of Jesus who looked down with compassion and forgiveness at those around the cross who had no idea what was happening.

Every fireman and civil servant in New York on 911 was paid for their service to the people of New York. But do you think it was money that motivated them to do what they did? Of course not. Somewhere along the way, their job description began to change them. Most of them feel it's their duty to help people, regardless of where it is and whether they're in uniform or not. Now ask yourself why Jesus did it. He could have called angels and they would have ended the atrocity and dealt with those who crucified him, but he didn't. It was love for you that he surrendered his life. That fact alone should make you want to serve someone else in his name, but will it be enough?

Pray it
I am so humbled by your love for me. I confess I sometimes doubt you can love me because I'm not a lovely person and I've disappointed you so often. But Scripture tells me love doesn't seek itself or return, but simply identifies a spirit of humility and gratefulness that gives. I ask you to continue teaching me that truth.

Resources
A true Fairness Doctrine is seen in the way God judges men. (2000)
Faith can be no deeper than my willingness to trust God. (2003)
Who asks for help when he's not in trouble? (2004)
For all the things I've feared in life, not one has lived up to its billing. (2005)
Devotional (2006)
God works through people we'd never suspect to deliver mercy in time of need. (2007)
Each person determines the value of life. (2008)

1. One-minute Devotionals began on January 2, 2006 and are the original creation of James R. Green, Prayertower Webservant Content is derived from his alternating and sequential survey of both the Old and New Testament to offer insight on Scripture.
2. Resources are derived from daily devotions of James R. Green called, Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003), Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004), Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005) and One Minute Devotional (2006-2008).
3. Scripture: God's Word Translation (c)1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright ©2008 James R. Green, Webservant - Prayertower Ministries
All Rights Reserved