08/21/2023
“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for the good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:7-8
The ultimate act of heroism is when a person gives his or her life for another person’s life, especially friends, comrades, or family. Michael Monsoor was a Navy SEAL fighting in the Iraqi War. One day while in battle, a gr***de literally hit him on the chest and fell at his feet. In a split-second decision, he threw himself onto that gr***de, saving the lives of his fellow Navy SEALs.
His lieutenant, one of the men who were saved, had this to say about Michael: “He never took his eye off the gr***de. His only movement was down towards it. He undoubtedly saved mine and the other SEAL’s lives, and we owe him.” Michel’s actions were awarded our nation’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor. What bravery, courage, and love that must have taken for this soldier to give his own life for that of his friends.
It’s one thing to die for your friends, your buddies, or your family members, but Christ died for those who were killing Him, who murdered Him. Christ died for those who were not with Him. He died for all of us! It was our sin that killed Him.
Yet, sadly, most people in American culture think, “If I can be good enough, then that will make me a Christian.”
Romans 5:8, however, disputes this claim. The fact is, that while we are sinners, while we are ungodly and helpless in overcoming our sinfulness, Christ died for our sins. So, it’s not a matter of getting your life good enough and then bam, you’re a Christian. No, instead the question is are you willing to accept what Christ has done for you — will you accept this gift of love that Christ died, paying the penalty for your sins?
Jesus laid down His life, not just for His friends, but for all of us who nailed Him to the cross. And that is the ultimate act of heroism.
Pastor Charles
