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Some Examples

Some time ago, I was in line at a Subway in a Pennsylvania town. Three Pennsylvania State Troopers came in and got in line. I have always had an appreciation for those who do their thankless task. So, I got their attention to say, “Thank you for your service.” They seemed pleased, and it made my day; I hoped in some small way, I was able to brighten theirs.

When our children were little, we had a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm go off one night. It was late enough to be after bed, and it was cold. Just some fumes from the garage? A problem with the woodstove? I didn’t want to take the risk, so I called the Fire Department. Soon they arrived in their big truck, the responders fully suited out. They were thorough and ran tests throughout the house. It made an impression on me, especially because they are all volunteers. I not only thanked them for their service, but also started making yearly contributions.

Then there are service personnel. Sometimes you see them in uniform; sometimes you just recognize them by a hat or some other identifying item. My Dad was a Marine and WW II vet, so I grew up knowing about that kind of sacrifice and service.

Of course, there are also servers in restaurants, and often their hourly pay is such that they really need that tip. I always taught my kids if you don’t have enough for the tip, you don’t have enough to eat out.

The list goes on. There are all sorts of public servants. Even though the concept of being a servant is lost on some, there are many who are proud of their job and are genuinely helpful.

In whatever category you might fall, thank you for your service.

The Ultimate Example

However impressive all these examples are, though, there is one that outshines all others. The Gospels tell us about it in Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Jesus Himself is the speaker here. He’s responding to His disciples, whose concept of greatness was riddled with worldly notions of self-importance. Two of them had just asked to be seated on His right and left in the Kingdom (10:37). But in the spiritual realm—which is the only one that ultimately matters—the way of greatness is humble service.

Jesus modeled this concept like no other. He refers to Himself in this verse as the Son of man.

This title reminds us that the Son of God came into this world in human form. Paul explains:

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7).

Why did He do this? Jesus tells us it was “to give his life a ransom for many.” Or as Paul continues in Philippians 2:8, “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

“Ransom” speaks of freedom or deliverance accomplished by the payment of a debt. Is there a debt or servitude that we all have? Yes—in a word, it’s sin. The Bible declares, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). It also describes sin’s consequence:

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

All of this is why the Bible refers to Jesus Christ as the Redeemer. He died on the cross and shed His precious blood in order to redeem lost sinners. He paid our debt, a debt that we could never pay ourselves.

An Invitation

Jesus offers freedom from sin and death. By His selfless sacrifice on Calvary, He became our substitute. He took the condemnation we rightfully deserve so that God can be “just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:26). “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Remember, this freedom is a free gift. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). You just need to be willing to humble yourself by agreeing with God that you are a sinner, and that you cannot save yourself. Then, turning from your sin, in simple faith ask Jesus to save you. “God, be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13) is a prayer He never refuses. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

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