During the American Civil War in the 1860’s in the United States, it was possible to pay for a substitute to take your place in the army. Many wealthy people did that rather than go. Teddy Roosevelt’s father, (Teddy was a future President), chose to do that but regretted it for the rest of his life. It is probably why Teddy grew up to be a risk taker, leading his “Roughriders” up San Juan Hill in Cuba during the Spanish American war!

Rich people could pay for a substitute! Just consider the vast difference on what Jesus did. “for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might be rich”. 2 Corinthians 8:8,9.

He became poor so you could be rich! How rich? Ephesians 2:7 gives a hint: “That in the ages to come He might show the incomparable riches of His grace”. That’s going to be eternal riches for you my Christian friend!

“Go down, go down, go lower still. Go down as low as e’re you will, the Highest has gone lower still”. How low? Philippians 2:6-8 describes a breathtaking descent all the way from the heights of glory at His Father’s right hand to the despised and scandalous cross!

What did He give up for you? Everything! His invitation to us is an invitation not an onerous command. He gives us a choice. He wants our hearts. “Come, take up the cross and follow Me”.

You and I have resources at our command; time, money, talents and spiritual gifts. Now to be sure, only the Holy Spirit living within us can empower us to obey, to give back to Him what He has given to us, and in fact to give up all of our perceived ownership rights to those things.

But truthfully, in actual fact, when Jesus paid the price for your redemption He purchased the rights to your entire life. “You are not your own, you were bought with a price”. 1 Corinthians 6:20. Amazing fact! He owns the rights to us, but does not insist on them! He wants our hearts! He beckons to you and to me; “Come, follow Me”.

Once we give Him everything (He already owns it) we no longer quibble over who the owner is of time, money, talents and gifts.

The happiest people alive are the ones who have given all to Jesus as Their Lord and Master of all.

Terry