resilience | lent devotions

"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:13, NLT

A group of prisoners of war during World War Two were made to do hard labour in a prison camp. Each had a shovel, would dig all day, then hand in his tool in the evening. One evening 20 prisoners were lined up by the guard and the shovels were counted. The guard counted 19 shovels and demanded to know which prisoner had not returned his shovel. No one responded. The guard took out his gun and warned he would shoot five men if the guilty prisoner did not step forward. After a moment of silence, a 19-year-old soldier stepped forward. The guard shot him in the head. When the guard left, the shovels were counted again. There were 20. The guard had miscounted. The 19-year-old soldier stepped forward, took responsibility for something he did not do, and chose to die so the others might live.

Jesus made the same choice. But he didn't respond to external pressure or as prisoner with little choice in the matter. Jesus chose to die when he was divinely rich. He chose to die as he exercised authority and upheld the universe by the word of his power. He chose to die as he held all things together in him. He chose to die as he enjoyed the love and glory he shares with God the Father. He chose to die as he received the worship of the heavenly hosts. He gave up all of that stepped forward, took responsibility for something he did not do, and died so you might live.

Jesus shows great resilience as he focuses not on what he loses but on what he gains. What a Saviour!

Let’s pray
Thank you, Jesus for humbling yourself and dying a criminal’s death on a cross even though you did nothing wrong. I am so grateful for your sacrifice and for the life it has won me. I bless you and worship you today. My friend and my Saviour. Amen.

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