To Serve and Protect

Today I watched as New York's finest once again ran to the rescue of those who were trapped in a downed plane in the Hudson Bay. As I watched the events unfolding I thought to myself, what emotion would drive someone to risk their own life to save another? Could it be compassion? Wikipedia describes compassion as, " a profound human emotion prompted by the pain of others. More vigorous than empathy, the feeling commonly gives rise to an active desire to alleviate another's suffering."


This coming Sunday the church celebrates Life Sunday. A time when we remember God has given to each of us life. Yet throughout our lives we are confront by so many different things that threaten to destroy God's gift of life. Sickness, accidents, war, murder, abortion, assisted suicide and so many others attempt to take away that which God has given. This threat does not just exist from the outside. Our own sinful nature continues to tempt us to do things we know are against God's will causing us to sin. In sinning we fall under the God's judgement that declares to each of us that, " wages of sin is death". Who will rescue us from the death that is all around us? The answer can be found in the cross. There on Calvary, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate compassion. Dying so our sins could be forgiven and we can have life.

Keep in your prayers those who were aboard the downed plane and their families, that all may be safe and uninjured. Pray also for those who continue to put their own lives in harm way so we may be safe from evil and harm. And most of all, as you celebrate the life God has given you, be on the lookout for the opportunities God will give you to show compassion to someone and in doing so reflect Jesus' love and life with those around you.