Remember That I Love You

     Tragedy can often produce the most touching accounts of love, faith and courage.  It's an old adage that "light shines brightest in a dark room".  This truth is clearly revealed through the gospel of Jesus Christ.  His life, death and resurrection testifies that much pain and suffering can produce exceeding joy.  

     I remember reading about the rescue efforts resulting from an earthquake in China in May 2008.  A woman was found buried under tons of debris and destruction after a building had collapsed on her. Unfortunately, when the rescue team found her, she was already deceased.  But through the debris, the position in which she died could be seen.  She was kneeling, with her whole body in a forward position, using only her hands and knees to support her body.  The rescue workers were curious and pondered, was she praying when she died?

     Thinking that this position was rather odd, one worker squeezed his hand through all the debris just to confirm that she was dead.   He shouted a few times, using his baton to knock a few times on the bricks, but there was no response.  When the crowd walked to the next building, the team leader suddenly ran back again, shouting, "Come quickly!"  He went to her dead body, and used all his might to feel under the woman's body.  He seemed to have felt something...then he shouted, "There's someone; there's a child, still alive."  

     After some struggle, the team and volunteers helped to clear all the debris and took the child from under her body.  He was 4 months old and was wrapped in a beautiful blanket.  When they removed him, he was still sleeping peacefully.  His sleeping face warmed everyone's heart.  The accompanying doctor performed some checks on him when something surprised him.  Inside of the tightly wrapped blanket was a cell phone. On the screen, it read, "My dearest child, if you are able to survive, you must remember that I love you."  The doctor began to weep, as did every other rescue worker.  A mother's protective love had saved the life her child.  

     More than 2000 years ago, your Creator bent His body over you in order to take your blow.   We are told that "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).  His love for you motivated Him to protect you from destruction at any cost to Himself.  And He too, has left you the reminder on record: "My child, remember that I love you."  

     When you are tempted to believe that Jesus has forsaken you, remember that He loves you.  When you are fearful for the prospects of the future, remember that He loves you.  When you are discouraged and are tempted to believe that you are too sinful to save, always remember that He loves you. 

     I can't help but think that after hearing about His amazing sacrifice on your behalf, you wouldn't want to thank Him.  If so, why don't you join me in praying this prayer:

     "Jesus, I want to thank You for bending over me and taking my blow on Calvary.  Even now, You are praying over me.  I am forever grateful for Your kindness towards me.  Please help me to realize the greatness of Your sacrifice.  Please create in me a growing appreciation for You.  Save me from myself Lord!  I believe, help Thou my unbelief.  In Your name I pray, Amen." 

 "He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love." Song of Solomon 2:4

Praying for you,

Pastor DL ​

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