By His Wounds We Are Healed

Isaiah 53:5

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

We have a thing in our home. It has been a long time – even back when the girls were young – even before the girls. One of us would say – I love you – and the other would say – I love you too. The next response would be something like – I love you more. With the grands – the next few minutes would include math – such as I love you one hundred times or I love you ten thousand times eventually ending with I love you infinity.

We express our love for one another – we don’t hold back. I even tell the grands I have something to tell them – and before I can whisper in their ear – they say – I know what you’re going to say Pop – you’re going to say you love me. I love that they know they are loved.

Expressing love is something that should come naturally within families. Unfortunately – there are families that have a hard time expressing their love for one another. I’m so glad we are not one of those families. I hope that your family is not one of them either. If you are one of those families – be the one who breaks the mold and start expressing your love for your parents or your children (or your spouse).

Jesus loved us – while we were still His enemy – while we were sinners. Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. While we were His enemies – sinners outside His grace – Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins. He suffered and died for us.

Remember this passage? John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Jesus showed us His love by dying for us – laying down His life. Over and over we should hear Jesus saying – I love you – when we remember our salvation and His grace.

How Have We Sacrificed for Others?

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

How have you sacrificed for others? When I look at Christ’s words in today’s base passage – I am reminded of sacrifice. John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

I know I would lay down my life for my wife – one of my children – or one of my grandchildren – and I imagine many or most of us would do the same. I might even lay down my life for a sibling – but not many friends.

I also look at this passage and think of first responders. I think of the fire fighters – rescue workers – and police officers who rain toward the towers at 9-11. I think of those who put their life on the line for others – every time they put on their uniform – first responders – law enforcement – and the military. Many of them might fit our first category – putting the life on the line for their spouse – their children – and their grands. But – they also willingly put their life on the line for total strangers. They rush into burning buildings to save lives. They do often put themselves in harm’s way to save others. They often leave their families and go to foreign parts of the world to be a line of protection for our county – for people they do not know.

Tomorrow is Good Friday

Psalm 29:2

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

Tomorrow is Good Friday. Spend the day tomorrow remembering that Jesus loved you so much – that He came down from heaven and died on the cross for your/our sins. If you are in the Annapolis area – join us Friday evening for a meaningful service of remembrance as we worship God and remember Jesus’ sacrifice. The service begins at 6 pm at Trinity Church of Annapolis 1300 West Street – Annapolis – MD. Here are some passages to get us thinking today.

John 3:16 – 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 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Veterans Day 2020

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Today is Veteran’s Day 2020. I missed celebrating with our veterans Sunday because of the pandemic. We have honored veterans at First Church for many years. Typically we pick a veteran and honor them with a flag that has flown over the church.

If ever there were a Scripture that spoke to the American soldier – I believe today’s passage is the one. Whether they were drafted or volunteered – men and women of our armed forces have put their lives on the line for God and Country. Whether they served at home or abroad – during peacetime or a time of war – they were our defense – our shield. They trained to be able to serve and protect. Freedom is not free – it is very expensive. At times – it cost way more than money. At times – it costs the lives or health of those who stand in the gap for us – around the world.

Veteran’s Day 2019

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Today is Veteran’s Day 2019. We celebrated with some of our veterans in worship yesterday. We also honored one of our veterans – Richard Reynnells – by giving him a flag that flew over our church in 2019. He was surprised to be so honored. We have honored veterans at First Church for many years.

If ever there were a Scripture that spoke to the American soldier – I believe today’s passage is the one. Whether they were drafted or volunteered – men and women of our armed forces have put their lives on the line for God and Country. Whether they served at home or abroad – during peacetime or a time of war – they were our defense – our shield. They trained to be able to serve and protect. Freedom is not free – it is very expensive. At times – it cost way more than money. At times – it costs the lives or health of those who stand in the gap for us – around the world.