For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

What was the most important thing you have ever given to another person?

When you hear that question, you might answer "money" or a precious family heirloom.

Having been to many weddings and having talked with the fathers of many brides, I think a daughter has to be just about the most precious gift a father can entrust to another person.

Dad mentally understands that his daughter is ready and of a 'proper age to marry' but his heart says passing his daughter to the groom is the equivalent of handing a beautiful, expensive Stradivarius violin over to a gorilla.

I wonder if God didn't feel the same way when He sent His Son into this world to save us.

Jesus was His only Son and, so we might be saved, God allowed His only begotten to be betrayed, tortured, and unjustly crucified.

Nevertheless, it was a gift God was willing to make. Now because God has done such a wonderful thing for us it is right we try to live our lives in a way that doesn't disappoint Him as sons and daughters, or like a gorilla with a Stradivarius.

I hope you'll join me. After all, we would never want to give God a reason to regret His gift.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER:Dear God, thank You for the wonderful gift of eternal life, which we receive through the sacrifice of Your only Son, Christ Jesus. Although not worthy of Your Gift, may we always be appreciative of it. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 36-38    John 12:1-26

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