WF Pride
Willingness and Desire to Sacrifice and Serve
Chad Cottingham
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always admired and respected policemen and firemen. Their willingness to put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis takes a special kind of courage and determination. Never has this been more evident than on September 11, 2001 – the day of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. Some 403 firemen and policemen perished as the towers fatally crashed to the ground. As people were rushing out of the buildings, they willingly rushed in. They died doing what they loved to do – helping others. This is what they were trained for, this is what they lived for, this is the sacrifice they made to serve and protect.
Our military then had the job of hunting down the perpetrators – al Qaeda and their leader, Osama bin Laden. The fight against terrorism continues to this day as we now battle against ISIS. Each day the fight goes on, our military risk their own lives for our freedom. They sacrifice and serve without question. They are heroes!
There is an even greater sacrifice that was made about 2000 years ago. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth as a man – we celebrate his birth at Christmas. But this time of year, we celebrate his death, burial and resurrection during Easter. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice – He was beaten, flogged, and crucified on a cross so we might live with Him for eternity. He took our place on that cross. But it didn’t stop there, He defeated death by rising from the dead.
Luke 24:5-7 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” ~NLT
“Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, into the world to save us. Thank you for loving us so much that you were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice – allowing your Son to die for us. As we celebrate this Easter season, let us look back and reflect on all You have done for us. It’s in Jesus name I pray, Amen.