Dangerous Work

On my way home one day I passed a young man who was obviously having car trouble. Traffic was starting to back up, as people waited to go around him. No one was stopping. It isn't safe you know. As it became my turn to pass him by, I slowed down enough to ask if there was someone I could call for him; that shouldn't be too risky. He just needed to jump start it, he replied. Since I didn't have any cables, I said, "sorry," and started to move on, perhaps even a bit relieved. But quickly and hopefully, he called, "I do!" So I stopped. He was in the same age range as our own children, if they had car trouble, hopefully, someone would stop to help them. It was only going to be a small sacrifice of time. But remembering all the warnings one hears now, I not only stayed in my car, but had the doors locked, and the window cracked only enough to talk through. He lifted my hood and made the connections needed. Almost immediately a police officer pulled up to take charge of the situation. A professional rescuer was here! I felt safer. But beneath his shirt I could see the outlines of a bulletproof vest. It must be murderously hot to wear, especially in our climate, but not to do so, in his line of work, might one day prove fatal. It shamed me as I realized my risk to help this boy was very small indeed compared to what he faced daily. Protecting us from the evils of the world could cost him his life. I got home safely that day and felt very humbled and grateful for all who constantly put their life on the line to protect and serve the rest of us. Some people's job description involves the ultimate sacrifice, self-sacrifice. How could we possibly pay these guys enough? Dangerous work being an officer of the peace, must be something you feel called to, like the priesthood. Another was called to serve and save. It was dangerous work being the Prince of Peace. One day it proved fatal. He wasn't paid a dime; it's work One had to do out of love. Yet his reward far outstrips anything earth can offer. His sacrifice, the greatest sacrifice ever, means many, who would surely have perished, will now get Home safely! Thank you, Lord Jesus, for making the greatest sacrifice of all. Help us to make our small sacrifices.

Hebrews 5.4 - Another thing to remember is that no one can be a high priest because he wants to be. He has to be called by God for this work.

Ephesians 5.1-2 - Follow God's example in everything you do, just as a much loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins.

Philippians2.5-8 - Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. And he humbled himself even further, going so far as to actually die a criminal's death on a cross.

Hebrews 12.2 - Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on a cross, because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God.

Hebrews 9.26 - He came once for all, to put away the power of sin forever by dying for us.

1 John 3.16 - We know what real love is from Christ's example in dying for us. And so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

Luke 10.30-33 - A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers who stripped him, and beat him, and departed leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side, So, likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him he had compassion.

Matthew 25.40,45 - And I, the King, will tell them, "When you did it to these my brothers you were doing it to me!" "When you refused to help the least of these my brothers, you were refusing to help me."

James 3.17 - It isn't enough just to have faith. You must also do good to prove that you have it. Faith that doesn't show itself in good works is no faith at all.

Romans 12.1 - I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice.

1 Peter 2.5 - Like living stones be you yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.