One Gave All

 "Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.'" Exodus 14: 13, 14

    Liberty is a precious gift but it comes at a price. Throughout history, the lure of power causes one people to oppress another as they wield their weapons over bent heads. Lines of white crosses on rolling hills of green ribbons testify to the ultimate price paid by the many. 

    One cross above all rises on a hill called Calvary at the very apex of history. On it was crucified the one Man who gave all to purchase spiritual liberty for mankind. He did not die in battle; He laid down His life of His own volition. Why? Was it to bring freedom to those oppressed by the Romans?

    Be they Romans, Egyptians, Germans or Russians, the names change but the agenda never does. The thirst for human power is never quenched, apparently. No, the foe Jesus conquered was much deadlier than these. This antagonist fights for human souls but our Hero defeated Satan when He left behind His graveclothes and ascended into heaven, where He reigns at the right hand of God the Father.

    Who redeems your life from the pit? Who heals all your diseases, forgives all your sins and crowns you with love and compassion? Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's? (Psalm 103: 2-5) Who proclaims freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners? Who binds up the brokenhearted? (Isaiah 61:1) Jesus is the answer.

    Stand firm, Christian soldier; the victory is yours because One gave all.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13