For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“We love the old saints, missionaries, martyrs, reformers: our Luthers, Bunyans, Wesleys, Asburys, etc. We will write their biographies, reverence their memories, frame their epitaphs, and build their cenotaphs. We will do anything except immitate. We cherish the last drop of their blood, but watch the first drop of our own!”
Leonard Ravenhill in Why Revival Tarries (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1987) 41. Special thanks to Michael Blue for sharing this quote in his talk, “When Faith & Finances Collide.” Watch it on YouTube.
Today is Good Friday because Jesus did the best thing for humanity. He died for our sins on the cross. And we also celebrate saints through the centuries who made a difference by giving their lives generously.
So what about you and me? Will we give our lives generously? Seriously, what would it look like for you to follow in the footsteps of Jesus? Are you willing to sacrifice to the point of suffering or even shedding blood?
These days are troubling not due to COVID or circumstances. Times are dark because few are willing to give their lives as saints, martyrs, missionaries, and reformers. Ask Jesus today how you should give your life like Jesus.
Do this not to try to earn favor with God. Your redemption was accomplished by Christ on the cross! Do it because you want the world to see love in action like we saw God’s love displayed through Jesus’ death and resurrection.