His Most Precious Possession
The story is told of two soldiers who had recently been released from a
prison camp in Siberia following World War II. "We did our best," said an
officer, "to repatriate the men as fast as possible, but many were still there
when winter threatened to close up the port." Only a limited number could board
the last small boat...
Among those waiting to be transported were two who had been friends all through
the war. One of them was selected, but the other seemed doomed to remain behind.
An order was given that those who were leaving could take only one important
item of luggage. The heart of the man who was chosen went out to his friend, so
he emptied his duffle bag of its prized souvenirs and his personal belongings
and told his companion to get into the canvas sack. Then carefully lifting the
bag on his shoulders, he boarded the ship with his dear friend -- his single,
most precious possession!
Because of our sins, you and I are doomed! "For all have sinned and fall short
of the glory of God" and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 3:23;
6:23).
However, Jesus Christ died on the cross on our behalf as payment for our sins (2
Corinthians 5:21). Jesus did this willingly so that you and I might gain safe
passage "home" to live together with our Heavenly Father for eternity. Our
"ticket" home came at a great personal cost to Him, however His self-sacrifice
was motivated by His great love for us. "Greater love has no one than this, than
to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13).
Through the death of Jesus, a "new and living way" has been opened up for us to
enter that heavenly home (Hebrews 10:22). Accessing this way to heaven requires
faith (Romans 5:1), repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confession (Romans 10:9-10),
baptism (immersion) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts
2:38), and faithful
obedience in walking the well-lit path of righteousness (1 John 1:7).
The last ship is leaving... Can you hear the boarding call (Mark 16:15-16)?
Jesus has given up everything so that He can take you with Him into that ship
whose destination is the safe harbor of heaven. Don't be left behind -- you are
His most precious possession!
Will you allow Him to carry you home?
Archived issues of "Living Water" can be accessed at:
www.creekwoodcc.org.
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