Conquering Love, Crowning Sacrifice

Daily Scripture Threshing for Thursday, July 15, 2021

Today’s Text: John 15:12-17

Key Verses: John 15:13 (AMP): “No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.”

Charles Spurgeons had said that this scripture brings the climax of love before all mankind. Indeed, nothing else could be higher proof of love than to die for a beloved one. Of this text, the prince of preachers said that the sail of love can find no better shore. During the reign of Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, he captured a prince and his family. He paraded them before him, and asked what the prince would give in return if he were to be released. "Half of my wealth," was his reply. And for the release of his children he promised everything he possesses. Thrilled to hear that, Cyrus pressed further: "And if I release your wife?" "And I will give myself, Your Majesty," said the prince. Moved by his devotion, Cyrus freed them all. And the story has it that the wife of this incredible prince rekindled a deeper love for his husband so much that she could not keep her eyes off him anymore till death did them part. She lived the rest of her life grateful to, and loving, the man who was willing to give himself for her.

Fabulous as this story sounds, it is nothing comparable to the love of Christ and His great sacrifice for us. His conquering love and crowning sacrifice is greater than all conceivable thoughts of love. This verse draws our attention on how the love of Jesus Christ really is; and how the measure of our love for Him and for one another should be. It is by the conquering power of Christ’s death that we, who were rebels, aliens and enemies are qualified to be called His friends. Romans 5:6 speaks of how, at the right time, when we were still ungodly and powerlessly held in enmity with God, Christ died for us. His death on the cross is that of the just in the place of the unjust so that we might gain the adoption as sons and be reconciled to God. Therefore, our response should be like the wife of the prince’s. We should fix our eyes on Him, love Him wholeheartedly in return, and be the fragrance of His love to others.

Quote for the Day: “The most valuable object any man possesses is his own very life; but this is not so with our Lord Jesus Christ. He values us more that He gave up His own very life.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for Your love for me. Please let today’s meditation reinvigorate my faith and hunger for You, and to love You more in my life, in Jesus' name. Amen.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

The Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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