It's said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It's also said the truth hurts. That may be what former New York Giants player George Martin was thinking as he attempted his walk across America recently to raise funds for ailing Sept. 11th rescue workers. This journey was expected to take four months. It began at New York City and is ending at San Francisco. Can you imagine a man walking thousands of miles to raise the awareness of the plight of rescue workers who suffered sicknesses stemming from the effects of their efforts in and around Ground Zero?
There is another who made a long journey to assist people ailing in this world. His name is Jesus Christ. He came all the way from His heavenly home down to us here on earth to save us from our bleak condition-a condition resulting from sin, death, and the power of the devil. He came in the flesh, to fulfill our need for a Savior. His atoning sacrifice was perfect and without blemish. He became the Paschal Lamb of God who fulfilled all prophecies and completed the payment due for our transgressions and our disrespect for our heavenly Father. The Father sent Him to save us from ourselves.
So now, each of us who knows Christ and what He has accomplished on our behalf joyfully worships Him for His sacrificial work in saving us. Leaving His throne, descending to earth, taking on our humanity, He endured the anguish of life and the sting of death to redeem us. By the wondrous things He has done, He has set us free from the wrath of a holy and just God and won our place in heaven, something we could never do ourselves.
THE PRAYER: Blessed Lord, hear our prayers as we ask You to keep us forever walking in Your ways. This Advent season, help us to be ever mindful of the journey You made to do Your saving work for us, and bring us and all nations back to You in thanks and praise for Your wondrous love for us. We pray this in Your holy and blessed name. Amen.
Written by Pastor Gordon Smith
Peace Lutheran Church
Prairie Grove, Arkansas
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