#89of365 #FaithBites #FaithJourney

Today’s lesson is about parenthood and sacrifice.

I love my daughters. I would do anything for them. I have been cut, burned, injured preventing my children from getting hurt. I have given up things, not done things, not taken advantage of opportunities for my children to have what they need and want. I would do anything to protect them. I know I am not alone in this. Any of us parents would do anything for our children.

Today I was blessed with spending the day with my oldest. We went to a video game arcade, went to Good Friday service, had lunch together and just enjoyed each other’s company. Last night while we were watching TV, she said didn’t want to live without me and wanted to die before I did. I told her, that’s not right. I will be there for her forever and children should not die before their parents. She then said we could die at the same time. I understand her sentiment but it still rocked me.

Then today, Good Friday. I have been a Christian for under two years. I know that Jesus gave his life to take our sins. What didn’t strike me until today, was God sent his only son to be sacrificed for us. Our natural parental instinct is to do anything to save our children. If we were made in God’s image, then he too wouldn’t want his children to die. Imagine for a minute, what would be so valuable to you, that you would willingly sacrifice your child’s life. I can’t think of anything.

Sacrifice

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

“But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:40-43

God loved us. He sent his son to die for the fate of the world. Imagine that. Even if you don’t believe in Christ, what would you as a parent sacrifice your child for. As I said before, I can’t think of anything. He died for us. We should die for our sins. We should be separated from God, but the one who has not sinned took our sins. He died for us. Even the criminal, hanging on a cross next to Jesus, asked for absolution, and Jesus gave it to him. Murders, rapists, rebels are forgiven. We are all forgiven. That is a love like no other.

Are you willing to truly imagine what must go through someone’s mind to be able to sacrifice their children? Are you willing to see the pain and suffering that the sinless endured for us? Are you willing to give that forgiveness and compassion to others?

I am willing (with the help of God)