It’s hard to believe that Sunday, September 11, 2016 marked the 15th Anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Towers, the Pentagon and Flight 93. Can you remember where you were on that fateful day in 2001? Can you remember who you were with? Can you still feel those same feelings of despair, sadness and awe from what happened? As the events continued to unfold in the days, weeks and months that followed, it got more and more personal as story after story of heroism, patriotism, sacrifice and service flowed from every news and TV source imaginable. Even today, as I watch testimonials from survivors, witnesses, family members and leaders alike, I am moved emotionally. The remembrances and ceremonies in cities throughout the country remind us of what so many went through and sacrificed. It makes me proud to be an American.
There is an even greater sacrifice that happened nearly 2000 years ago by one man. This one man was the Son of God – Jesus Christ. He was whipped and beaten beyond recognition. He was given a sinners death – crucifixion on a cross – which is one of the most painful and disgraceful ways for any person to die. And this was someone that never sinned and never did any wrong. He took our place on that cross, bore our sins, and washed us clean as snow. We deserved the beating, we deserved the lashes, we deserved the punches, we deserved the crown of thorns, we deserved to carry our own cross, we deserved the nails in our hands and feet, we deserved the spear in our side, and we deserved to die a sinner’s death because that’s what we are – sinners. But Jesus took our place.
And now, that same cross that was meant to end his life, is a symbol of hope and salvation as he defeated death and rose again. The cross bridged the gap between us and God – and it’s all because the sacrifice Jesus made for us so many years ago. It makes me proud to be a follower of Christ – a Christian.
1 Peter 2:24 ~ He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.
John 3:16 ~ For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
1 Corinthians 1:18 ~ The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.
“Dear Lord, thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Thank you for loving us so much. Thank you for salvation. It’s in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.”