For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:16-17

The yellow Lab had three strikes against her.

* Strike 1 - She had no microchip and no owner.

* Strike 2 - She had broken bones and internal bleeding.

* Strike 3 - She was laying in the middle of a busy Houston highway.

You know what the outcome for that dog should have been. After all, three strikes and you're out. Yes, that's the way it should have been. But it wasn't. You see, Mr. Rickey Young heard about the dog and decided to do something about the situation. Risking his own life, Mr. Young pulled over to the side of the road and, braving traffic, tried to snatch the dog to safety. Video footage of the event showed the dog didn't want to be snatched to safety, and she initially retreated from Mr. Young. It was only when the dog was tempted by the sandwich Mr. Young was carrying in his pocket that she allowed herself to be captured.

Mr. Young raced the dog to the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals where she was treated and, thank you very much, is doing just fine. I'm glad. That's the way it should be when a man risks his life to save a dog.

Reading that story, I began to wonder why would a man risk his life to save a dog which really doesn't want to be saved? Mr. Young gave his answer to that very question when he said, "I'm just kind of a softy on that stuff."

Good answer.

Having heard Mr. Young's answer, I wonder what the Lord would reply, if we were to ask Him, "Why did You send Your Son into this world to die for unworthy and unappreciative humankind? We had disobeyed You, rejected You, and had no desire to be saved by Jesus or anyone else. Lord, when Mr. Young went to rescue the dog, he did so in the belief he had a good chance of surviving the effort. Not so with Your Son. Jesus was born to suffer and die so that sinners might be forgiven and saved. Why did You send Jesus to save us?"

Well, we don't have to wonder about the Lord's answer.

He tells us. No, He doesn't say He's a softy on humanity like Mr. Young did. The word "softy" doesn't even appear in the Bible. Even so, God is both direct and honest as to why Jesus came. He says, "My Son came so that all who believe on Him would not perish but have everlasting life."

So there you have it.

This means there is only one question left: what will be our response to God's most gracious act? The yellow Lab is absolutely devoted to the fellow who saved her. Will we be equally devoted to our Savior? I can only pray we will.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, please help me remember that You are almighty, all-powerful, and all-knowing, that Your love, mercy and grace are never ending, and that all I need to do is to trust and follow in Your way. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Numbers 23-25    Mark 16

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