Living Sacrifice
Some photographs just deserve to be held in honor for all time. One such photograph was taken in the middle of a battle in Afghanistan. I cannot describe the impact that one of the images has had upon me.
The enemy opened fire upon our troops and the photographer who was imbedded with the Marines was taking pictures of the action as fast as he could. A bomb exploded close to the squad of Marines. Click, click, click. Pictures are taken as the dust settles. One of the images that were produced was so compelling. A young Marine in the face of an enemy bomb threw his body on top of an Afghan father and his young son. The Marine literally used his own body to shield the father and son from the crippling effects of the bomb.
The Marine gave no thought to his actions. He merely reacted as he was trained to do. That is just the kind of man he is and that describes the young people we have in our Armed Forces who are serving around the world. Find a way today to thank a military member for their sacrifice for our country and for the way of life that we often take for granted.
The Apostle Paul spoke of the unsearchable wisdom and knowledge of God and how He governs the entire universe. With that understanding, Paul then states in Romans 12:1:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”
For this Marine to willingly lay down his life for another is certainly considered heroic. An even greater sacrifice takes place when we freely give up our agendas, our time, our money and our relationships in exchange for God’s plans and purposes for our lives. Considering the tremendous sacrifice Christ made for us on the cross, it should be rather easy for us to offer our lives as living sacrifices unto our Lord.
