Boasting in God! Radical Grace from the Book of Romans (5:8-11)

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." (Rom 5:8-11, NIV2)

A few months ago, we heard of an eight-year-old boy named Tyler who without hesitation, came to the rescue of his family who was in danger. Early in the morning a fire erupted in his grandfather's trailer, where 9 family members, including Tyler, resided. Somehow this young lad woke up in time to realize that they were all in danger. He quickly got out of bed and was able to wake up six people who all escaped safely, except for one who had second degree burns. Happy that these were safe, he realized that his grandfather, who was unable to get out of bed by himself, as well as his uncle, who was missing part of a leg, needed help to get out of the trailer.

Even though flames were erupting throughout the trailer, he never hesitated to go to the rescue of his grandfather and uncle. Sadly, he never made out. He succumbed to heat and smoke. His body was found near his grandfather's.

Tyler's unselfishness saved the lives of six people. He became the hero not only of these six people, but of his entire town and nation as well. He made the news throughout the world and everyone reading about this hero stood in awe.

I can't imagine what his parents must be going through. Deep down they must miss him terribly. Still, his bravery will stay with them for life. They can't help but be proud of their son.

We, too, were facing certain death due to the fact that we have erred, we've pushed ourselves away from the Source of life, God Himself. We were so self-centered that we didn't even realize what we really needed. Our wants seemed to dominate us into submission. We were completely lost without any hope.

At the right time, the Son of God came to our rescue from the fires of hell. Unselfishly He gave His life so that we could live forever. He has become our hero. We can't help but boast in Him. After all, who else would have come through for us? I know of no one else who would willingly die for us while we are his enemies. That's real love, a love beyond imagination, a love that Tyler also demonstrated by putting others first in his life.

May we all be motivated by the love from above and reach out to those who are hopeless. They too need a Savior who will rock their lives. May we be as unselfish as this young lad by working to rescue people from the hell they are living in. Yes, bravery will need to be our companion, but we are not alone in this. Our Savior will give us the strength.

This world is on fire. What will we do about it?

Rob Chaffart