“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by His great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation.” - 1 Peter 1:3 (NLT)
On September 25, 1944, PFC John New earned the Medal of Honor. He was a marine fighting in the WWII battle of Peleliu when a grenade was thrown near him and other soldiers. Without hesitating, John threw himself on top of the grenade, taking the full force of the blast which killed him but saved his fellow soldiers. During the same battle, five other soldiers would sacrifice themselves in the same way. Only one survived.
We are all inspired by this type of sacrifice, and we love to see it depicted in books and movies. It never gets old because we see it as the greatest act of selflessness from the greatest kind of hero. Likewise, when Jesus willingly died on the cross, He saved the lives of mankind by taking the blast for our sins. He is worthy of the highest honor for His sacrifice.
John New received his Medal posthumously. Jesus receives His honor not only for dying for us but for being resurrected and defeating death. He earned for us the free gifts of eternal life with Him forever and abundant purposeful life in Him today.
We can live life with great expectation because He gives us hope. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to empower our daily lives.
Do you believe this? Do you live with great expectations for your future? If not, take some time to reflect on what Jesus accomplished for you. Praise Him for His precious gift to you and ask Him how you can live your life to honor Him in a greater way.
“The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to empower our daily lives.”
Tip of the Day
Reflect on the selfless act of PFC John New, who gave his life for others, and recognize that Jesus went even further by defeating death to offer us eternal life. Embrace the power available to you through Jesus and consider one way you can honor Jesus’ sacrifice today.
Prayer
Father God, I praise You for the great mercy that allowed me to be born again through Jesus Christ's sacrifice. Help me live with great expectation, embracing the hope He provides. Guide me in honoring Him daily. In His name alone, amen.
Pause and Reflect
How does the concept of living with great expectation, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:3, influence your daily perspective and actions? In what ways can you cultivate a mindset of hope and purpose based on the eternal life offered by Jesus?
Reflect on this quote: "The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to empower our daily lives." How can you tap into the power of Jesus in your daily challenges and decisions? What areas of your life can benefit from the transformative power of His resurrection?
Considering the Tip of the Day to reflect on the selfless act of PFC John New and recognize Jesus' greater sacrifice, how can you express gratitude for Jesus' gift of eternal life? In what practical ways can you honor Jesus today, keeping in mind the immense sacrifice He made for your salvation?
