The Ultimate Gift

A question posed in Sunday School today asked, "How does it make you feel that the Creator of the Universe gave His Son for you?" The discussion prompted me to think about gifts.

I was recently given a gift (which I posted about here and here) that was totally unexpected. It was a gift given to me by the sacrifice of the giver. It was given to me out of the goodness of her heart....not because it was Christmas or my birthday. It was given to me "just because." This gift was so humbling to me, and I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. So much so that I felt incapable of truly expressing my thankfulness.

As I contemplated this gift, I was reminded of an even greater gift: the gift of God's Son. The salvation provided me through Jesus Christ was given to me through sacrifice. Christ died in my place to take the punishment for my sins....the ultimate sacrifice. God gave me this gift, not because I deserved it or could ever earn it. He gave it to me just because of His grace. How can I ever express my gratitude?

The humbleness and overwhelming gratitude I felt when receiving an earthly gift is just a fraction of the humility and thankfulness I should feel toward the Almighty, Gracious God. As you look toward the celebration of Christ's resurrection next Sunday, ponder the wholly undeserved sacrificial gift He gave to those who repent and believe.

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light..."
I Peter 2:9 NKJV

The Death of Christ for Me

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." I John 4:10 (KJV)

I know You had me on Your mind
When You climbed up on that hill
For You saw me with eternal eyes
While I was yet in sin
Redeemer Savior Friend

Every stripe upon Your battered back
Every thorn that pierced Your brow
Every nail drove deep through guiltless hands
Said that Your love knows no end

Redeemer Savior Friend...

So the grace You poured upon my life
Will return to You in praise
I'll gladly lay down all my crowns
For the name of which I am saved
Redeemer Savior Friend

© 1999 Integrity's Hosanna!/Integrity's Praise! Music

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:" I Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, Who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
Full atonement can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
"It is finished!" was His cry;
Now in heaven exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we'll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Words & Music: Philip P. Bliss