John 3:16. 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 (KJV)
The word is now official. Britain’s Prince Harry is not going to be going to Iraq as a troop commander.
In February the royalty of Buckingham Palace said Harry was going. For the last few months Harry said he wanted to go. Last week Britain’s Chief of the General Staff said, “Harry’s not gonna go.” The reaction to that decision is mixed. Some folks say, “Harry should be treated like anyone else. With many of Britain’s sons and daughters serving in the danger zone, it seems reasonable that Harry should serve with them.” There are others who say, “Harry has been educated as a career soldier; he has graduated from the prestigious Sandhurst military school. He deserves the right to fight.” People wonder, “What kind of leader will Harry be if he is always going to be kept out of hazardous situations?”
On the other side of the debate there are those who say, “If you’re going to send Harry to Iraq you might as well paint a big, red target on his chest.” They, not unreasonably, say, “Putting Harry in Iraq will make him the focus of every terrorist, and every crackpot who is trying to make a name for himself.” Finally, there are those who maintain that sending Harry is going to increase the risk of anyone who serves with him, or even stands close to him.
2,000 years ago, when the King of the Universe sent His Son into the battlefield called earth, He entertained no such debate. The Father knew if humanity was to be saved, it would happen only if Jesus was “wounded for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities.” If we were to have peace it would be because Jesus was chastised in our place. If we were going to be healed, it would be through Jesus stripes. (Isaiah 53:5)
The Father knew that no one else could do the job of saving us. That is why Jesus came as one of us. He came not just to fight for us; He came to die for us. There was never any doubt that Jesus would return to heaven unscarred. When Jesus was born, He was born to die. Because He did this willingly for us, and because He rose in victory from the dead, we have hope.
I admire Harry for being willing to fight. I appreciate the royals who were willing to send him into danger. Most of all, I love the Savior who wasn’t just ready to serve. I love the Savior who came to give His life as a ransom for lost and sinful souls.
THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, what great love you have for enslaved humanity. Accept my thanks and gratitude for your great grace. Dear Lord Jesus, I owe you everything. May I never forget what you have done. In your name, Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 12-14 John 8:28-59
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