October 22, 2009
God Direction: Consider the value of life
This is a strange God Direction. Why would God want us to consider the value of life? Let's think about it. Some people value life highly but others do not. Many value the life of an unborn child to be trash, something you just throw away. Some value the life of a person by the shoes they are wearing; they will kill for those shoes. Still others kill for the unknown amount of money someone is carrying. But what value does Jesus place on life? Let's go to the Bible,
Matthew 8:28-34
When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.1
Jesus saw the two demon possessed men and had compassion for them. He sent the evil spirits out into a herd of pigs which all drowned as a result. Jesus valued the lives of these men more valuable than the lives of the whole herd of pigs. The town on the other hand thought otherwise. They were upset and pleaded with Jesus to leave.
I'm a farmer and I can't help but think about the herd of pigs. The entire herd was lost, no one was going to reimburse the owner for them. This was a great loss. But was it worth it? How would you react if it was your herd of pigs?
It is easy for us to judge the town's people, I mean this is Jesus and He just performed a miracle that saved two men. But what about today, what value do you place on a life? What are you willing to give up to help someone? Is a life worth some extra time or some money or maybe some things you have no use for? It's easy to give up what is extra. Are you willing to give up your livelihood? Would you give up your job, or is a life worth giving up your pride in order to stand up for someone?
I'm guilty as charged. I can give what I have in excess but I'm much less apt to give up what I hold precious. When I'm busy, I can't stop to help someone in need. In fact I don't even look for people in need, I just pass by without noticing. Standing up for someone I don't know or don't like at the cost of my pride is not something I have done. What a wretched sinner that I am, I place value on my life and my loved ones, even the wicked do that, but when it comes to strangers, I place little value on their lives. Yet Jesus placed the highest value on yours and my life. He gave his own perfect life. He gave up His pride, His good name and His life for our lives. Even when we were sinners Jesus gave up all He had for us. Just so we can betray Him at every chance we have. He gave His life so that we may live with Him in eternity. Life is precious, don't throw it away!
Let's pray: Heavenly Father, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for not considering the value that life deserves. I'm sorry for not helping others no matter the cost. Help me. Give me the strength and the drive to do Your will, to help others. Shine through my life so that others see You in me. Help me to live the Gospel. In Christ's Name I pray, Amen
Questions, comments, email me at:
ablaue@goddireciton.com
