The Ultimate Gift

Wednesday, December 15, 1999

VERSE:
   He had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.
    -- Hebrews 2:17, New International Version
       <http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Hebrews+2:17>

THOUGHT:
   There are not many things the Bible says Jesus "had" to do. This is a key one.  Jesus had to be one of us. Notice that he did this so he could be like us, his brothers (and sisters) in every way.  It was by this "being one of us" that Jesus was able to intercede for us.  C.S. Lewis, in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, had this as a fundamental part of the story.  Asland, the Lion, took the place of a condemned person, so they might live.  It became a perfect and all fulfilling sacrifice, defeating death and evil in one act.  Jesus, in the same way, took our place, as a perfect intercessor.  Moreover, I believe, that as Jesus was on the cross, He met us, and knew that he was upon the tree for ME, for YOU.  What a gift, the Ultimate gift.

 

PRAYER:
   Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the incredible sacrifice you made so I could be adopted into our Father's family and become your younger sibling in our eternal family. Thank you for this grace that was motivated out of your love and carried out by your loving faithfulness.  Through your name, Lord Jesus, I offer my praise and thanks to our Father. Amen.