Sacrificial Offering

Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and have Himself for us, a sacrificial an fragrant offering to God. Ephesians 5:1

The greatest love anyone can do it to lay down your life for another. We have seen that this past week in Virginia in USA where teachers lay down their lives for their students who were under attack by a mad gunman.

However, Christ chose to come into a hostile world. From the outset it was trying to kill Him.

We have the God of heaven laying down His life for sinners, not good people, for those who despised and rejected Him.

The love if our God goes way beyond protecting innocent children and lovely old people. He came and gave His life, a sacrifice for all. He died for the perpetrator of the mass shooting.

Not all come to a revelation of this grace, amazing grace. The writer of the song/ 'amazing Grace' Newton did find this grace. He was a wicked slave trader. He had killed and maimed many yet grace came to Him, a most undeserving man.

Newton lived out his days aware of who he had been and who he then became: a forgiven sinner.

Jesus paid the price for our wickedness. He offers forgiveness of sin. Yes there is always a price for our sin. Had the young man who killed so many come to Christ he would still be punished by law yet in eternity he would know forgiveness. Like Newton he would know his depravity but be forgiven.

The sacrifice made by the teachers will ever remain a fragrant offering and we will remember them. Amen!