Absurd

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5: 6-8

Absurd - "inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense"

Sometimes I wonder if we don't take Christ's death and our salvation for granted - as if it was something Jesus had to do, or that we somehow had it coming regardless. As a result, could it be that we minimize the sacrifice offered up on our behalf? Do we truly comprehend the ludicrous nature of the sacrifice of Jesus?

This brief, yet beautiful passage, shakes us out of our entitlement doldrums, and points us towards the passionate love of God for us in Christ Jesus. It does so, by challenging us to walk for a moment in Jesus' sandals. We are confronted with the hypothetical - would you be willing to sacrifice your life in place of someone else, in order that they might live? Would you willingly lay down your life for another?

Paul's thoughts are that some might (but most likely will not) die in place of a good and noble person in order to save their life. My thoughts are that the human "survive at all costs" instinct is so strong, and our fear of death is so great, that even this choice - dying for one we love and respect - is easier said than done. I'd like to think I would, but I am honest enough with myself to recognize that when push came to shove, I might not.

Paul points out pretty accurately though, that he can't think of any person who would willingly sacrifice their life in order to save another who has done them harm, an enemy, one who has shown nothing but animosity towards them. Truly, who would do such a thing? Absurd, right?

Christ did this very absurd thing...Christ died for the ungodly. He who is holy and good and pure, sacrificed His life so that those (like you and me) who have shown Him nothing but sinful animosity, might live. We have done nothing to deserve this sacrifice, but yet He freely made it for us and our salvation.

If we did nothing to deserve this act, why did He do it?

God demonstrates His own love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

His sacrifice (his life for ours) came as a result of His great love for us. And only one possessed of an incredibly great and absurd love would ever do such a thing.

May you know today the incredible and absurd love that God has for you, and may His sacrifice lead you towards a life of thanksgiving and worship.

Be God's, Scott