Laying It Down; Rising Up

I have a deep respect for firemen. While they pull people out of all kinds of dangerous situations, it’s their willingness to run into a burning building for the sake of a stranger that blows my mind. It takes a special person to do that. It was true in Jesus’ day as well.

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person, someone might possibly dare to die. – Romans 5:7

The Bible tells us it takes a rare person to lay down their life for the righteous or good. Who would lay down their lives for the down and out, dirty, desperate, and despicable? Liars, adulterers, murderers, and thieves?

The Bible tells us Jesus healed all who came to Him. That means all. He healed hands that He knew would be used to steal and to destroy, eyes that would lust, and feet that would run away from Him. Jesus healed with no strings attached. He died for all sinners – gossips and mass murderers alike. All means all because He has compassion on us all.

However, there is a string attached, but it’s not attached to deny us something. It’s attached to give us something, something we don’t deserve – eternal life in heaven as a member of God’s family – joint heirs with our brother Jesus.

It’s my hope that we demonstrate the heart of Jesus and become Holy Ghost firefighters. Run into the flames of people’s burning lives and drag them to Jesus! He will burn away the things that bind and save them from the fires of hell. Just so they won’t feel shamed, He even makes sure they don’t stink!