Your Daily Devotional for December 2, 2006

 

December 2, 2006

 

 

The Love of God

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

 

John 15:13

 

Five years ago, as people were recovering from the tragedy of September 11 and many families were burying their loved ones, John 15:13 was used to comfort the grieving families. One such family was the family of Lt. Andy Despirito who was 43 years old.

 

Lt. Andy Desperito of New York's Engine 1 Truck 24, entered the Trade Center with his company only shortly before the first tower collapsed. In the process of evacuating people, an elderly woman in distress was discovered. Lt. Andy, as he was called, ordered his company to get out, but he stayed behind to help the woman. All of Lt. Andy’s crew made it out as did the old lady. But Lt. Andy, who left behind a wife and three children, was never heard from again. "When the building came down, it was very selective in who it took," said fellow fireman Paul Bessler, age 37.

 

Lt. Despirito’s love for our country and for others cost him his life. He gave all that he had so that another person could live. Some may believe that it was a waste for a younger man such as Lt. Andy to give his life for an elderly woman. But his love was clearly seen in that sacrificial act. It has been said that true love always gives. True love always expresses itself for others to see.

 

God showed us His love when He sent His Son to die on Calvary. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God gave His only Son. He chose to send His Son to die on Calvary so that we might be saved. This is true love.

 

Philippians 2:5-8 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Do you realize that God made the conscious choice to come to earth to die for us? He loved us enough to sacrifice Himself that we might be saved. What a loving God!

 

Someone once said, “If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If God had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.

When you want to talk, He’ll listen. He could live anywhere in the universe, yet He chose your heart. And don’t forget the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem!”

 

How often do we take for granted the gift that God has given us? How often do we skip our devotions with no thought of the nails that were pierced in His hands? How often do we miss an opportunity to tell others of Christ with no thought of the crown of thorns He wore for us?

 

Take at least five minutes today to reflect upon the Cross. Think of what Christ willingly went through for you. When we gain a fresh, new view of the Cross, we will be more apt to live for Christ every day. Never become ungrateful for the love Christ that was shown for you on the Cross!

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