Beyond a Hero

Thanks for continuing to read my weekly Friday Fragments.  I hope they encourage and inspire you.  The Fragment below is a piece that I wrote a couple of years ago.

Against the backdrop of focused evil, heroes emerge. Names surface from the ashes. Individuals step in harms way on behalf of others.

From Brussels, to Paris, to Columbine… heroes.

Brave and strong. Courageous and committed.

Raising a fist to injustice and prejudice and hatred. Standing in the gap. Blood- splattered photographs expose the risk. Funerals define the ultimate sacrifice.

Names are highlighted with tears. Medals adorn in insufficient distinction.

A Purple Heart. A Bronze Star.

Honor is due when evil is confronted.

Valor meets terror… destiny turns.

But what about when someone steps in front of justice? How do you describe an act when a just sentence is averted by the sacrifice of another?

Foolishness?
Travesty?
Rubbish?

In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God. (2 Corinthians 5:21 Message)

Jesus didn’t step in front of an evil or terrorist act on our behalf… no, He stepped in front of justice.

His medal of honor was a crown of thorns. His grave a borrowed tomb. His trial a mockery.

His act of courage was mercy.

He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds
you are healed. (1 Peter 2:24, NLT)

He hoisted our rebellious and evil acts. He carried the horror of our misdeeds. And not after we got our act together… our sentence was not commuted because of good behavior.

For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:7-8 ESV)

Beyond the boundary lines of bravery… a Savior. Eclipsing the definition of a hero… Jesus.

He stepped in front of justice for me… for us. On assignment from His Father.

Absorbing our guilt. Redeeming our shame.

Jesus threw Himself on the wrath of God so that we could live, and live abundantly.

An empty tomb invites celebration. Sweets. Egg hunts. Banquets.

The cross demands worship.

Beyond a hero… a Savior. Born to die. Crushed. Mocked. Condemned.

For me. For us.

Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.  (Philippians 2:9-11 Message)

Jesus.

Savior.

King.