Wednesday, November 11, 2009

No Greater Love

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. —John 15:13

Melbourne, Australia, is home to the Shrine of Remembrance, a war memorial honoring those who died for their country. Built following World War I, it has since been expanded to honor those who served in subsequent conflicts.

It’s a beautiful place, with reminders of courage and devotion, but the highlight of the shrine is a hall containing a carved stone that simply reads, “Greater Love Hath No Man.” Every year on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11:00 a.m., a mirror reflects the sun’s light onto the stone to spotlight the word love. It is a poignant tribute to those who gave their lives.

We honor the memory of those who paid the ultimate price for freedom. Yet the words on that stone carry a far greater meaning. Jesus spoke them the night before He died on the cross for the sins of a needy world (John 15:13). His death was not for freedom from political tyranny but freedom from the penalty of sin. His death was not just to give us a better life, but to give us eternal life.

It is important to remember those who have given their lives for their country—but may we never forget to praise and honor the Christ who died for a dying world. Truly, there is no greater love than this. — Bill Crowder

There is no greater love than that of Christ above,
That made Him stoop to earth, become a Man,
And by His death provide redemption’s plan;
There is no greater love. —Peterson
© Renewal 1983, John W. Peterson Music Company.

The cross of Jesus is the supreme evidence of the love of God.

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