In a sobering and stunning act, Andreas Lubitz voluntarily snuffed out his own life, and simultaneously ended the lives of 150 others. The suffocating realities of a deeply troubled man collided with the disregard for the lives of innocent passengers.
An unwritten agreement of trust is forged when a passenger steps across the threshold of an airplane. I’ve ventured into this space hundreds of times, each time and always with the belief that the pilots at the helm value the lives of the passengers that depend on their competence and care.
In the single step from the jet way to the airplane cabin I relinquish control of my own life and safety. I place that responsibility in the hands of men and women that I’ve not met and don’t know. I assume that they care.
The contrast to Good Friday is stunning. For in this singular historic event, Jesus shifts our gaze 180 degrees from that of Andreas Lubitz. Jesus, although perfect in life and living, takes the full impact of the rebellious and selfish human race in order to save those who have stepped across the threshold into His care.
Life, not death is what is produced.
Jesus sacrifices His own life in order to save others.
Unlike the passengers on the Airbus 320, I had piloted my own life on a collision course. I was doomed at the controls.
But Jesus, at the expense of His own life, saved me. A ransom. An exchange.
“…the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
This is our savior. Our hero. Our King.
Sacrificial at personal cost.
While the contrast is stunning, the hope is real. Jesus. Good Friday. Good news.
In the step from self-reliance to a fuselage of faith, I relinquish control of my own life. I place that responsibility in the hands of Jesus. I need make no assumptions of His care. He declares that He not only knows me, but loves me.
This is my hope, my rest, my joy.
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I signed up for your 30 day devotion for youth workers through You Version which has blessed me so much.
This blog was eye opening for me. In our Christian walk this is our course in working with any person or group – actually, as I think about it, each and every Christian whether in some type of ministry in the church or just living life should place others first.