June 9, 2005

[Rev. Doc]

His Great Love

"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved."
Ephesians 2:4-5

During the 17th century, Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England, sentenced a soldier to be shot for his crimes. The execution was to take place at the ringing of the evening curfew bell. However, the bell did not sound. The soldier's fiancé had climbed into the belfry and clung to the great clapper of the bell to prevent it from striking. When she was summoned by Cromwell to account for her actions, she wept as she showed him her bruised and bleeding hands. Cromwell's heart was touched and he said, "Your lover shall live because of your sacrifice. Curfew shall not ring tonight!"

God was willing to do everything possible to take upon Himself the death sentence that each of us faces. He sent His Son to take our bruises and shed His blood upon the cross that we might have life and have it eternally.

Prayer: Thank God for His provision of life through Jesus.

"There is nothing we can do to make God love us more, there is nothing we can do to make God love us less."
~Philip Yancey