John 10: Not Sent, Offered

Vs 17-18

“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

Did you get that? Did you really read it? Go read it again, I will wait. Notice anything? Our whole lives we say to one another, God sent his son to die for us. Ok. But what does this statement reveal?

Christ didn’t have to do it! He had the power to walk away and he willingly, WILLINGLY laid. Down. His. Life. And died. For. You.

You (and I) who have mean thoughts, impure thoughts, talk about others, don’t want to get out of bed, aren’t happy and content with what you have, don’t always honor the people in your life (spouse, friend, parent), aren’t grateful every second for the very breath you (and I) are breathing right now by His grace alone. That we are not ecstatic at the realization that we were even allowed to wake up this morning! And Jesus took himself to the cross for that. “No one takes it (my life) from me but I lay it down if my own accord.”

How are you, am I, showing up and showing thankfulness for this today, daily? How can I?

That I would wake everyday with thanks on my breath and try in my imperfect way to live in such a way to make You never regret the sacrifice you willingly made on my behalf. And when I do, please forgive me even before I realize what I have done ~ amen