An omnipotent being of immense power created you. Decided you were a sinner and condemned you to hell for all eternity but then decided to give you a way out. Apparently he couldn’t just say,” Apologize and be forgiven.” No, this omnipotent being could only forgive us if something dies in our place. How is that for omnipotence? Who made that rule?
How big of a sacrifice was it really anyway. Jesus is immortal right? He came to Earth and was made man. That seems like quite a step down if you ask me. I think he would want to get that sacrafice part over and back to being a god as quick as possible. He lived as a man for about 30 years. Then he was crucified, died and was buried. Okay, so now he is dead. If he stayed dead I would consider this a big sacrifice. An immortal being actually laying down his life for us would be a pretty big deal. But, he doesn’t. On the third day he rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of God the father. That doesn’t really sound like that big of a sacrifice. So basically he didn't die for our sins, rather he was inconvenienced at best.
Actual last words. "This is really screwing up my weekend!"
The Bridge of Life - John Griffeth lived in the western part of the United States during the depression years of dustbowls, dryness and drought. Married in 1929, the Griffeths watched their farming dreams blow into dust. Finally, they gathered their little son with their meager belongings and moved east.
There John landed a job at the Mississippi River tending a drawbridge. One summer day in 1937, he took his son to spend the day with him. Wide-eyed and full of questions, Greg watched his father as he raised the bridge to let the ships pass, then lowered it for the great trains to roar across the river.
About noon, John put up the bridge and sat with Greg on an observation platform to eat their lunches. They enjoyed the activity on the waterfront. John dreamed about traveling so he told Greg stories about the ships and where they were headed. He was so caught up in the stories that he lost consciousness of time. Suddenly he was awakened by the shrill whistle of a locomotive. He glanced at his watch, noting that it was nearly time for the Memphis Express.
John made his way to the gear-room, sat on the stool and took the lever in hand. He looked up the river and back down to see if any ships were coming. Then he glanced below ... Wait! No! No! This can't be! Terror gripped him as his heart leaped into his throat and his blood froze in his veins! Evidently, Greg tried to follow his father, slipped off the catwalk and fell into the massive gears below. His leg was caught and as sure as the sun rises in the morning, if the bridge was lowered six tons of revolving metal would grind him to death!
Mind spinning, John frantically sought for answers! He thought, "I'll run back, tie a rope, let myself down..." -- but, no! There was not a third of the needed time.
John moaned! He was trembling and perspiring as his eyes brimmed with tears. The shrill cry of the train whistle was alarmingly close. More than anything, he wanted to spare his son; but if he did many would die! There was no other way to spare their lives! Stricken and overwhelmed with grief, John bowed his quivering head, covered his eyes, and released the lever. The gear room shook as the wheels turned and the great bridge settled down into place. In moments it was over and the Memphis Express came roaring past.
John lifted his head and looked in the train. There a man read the morning news, the conductor was looking at his watch, and a woman in the dining car was feeding her little girl with a long spoon. No one noticed the heart-broken Griffeth. No one was aware of the grieving father or the newly torn body of his dear son. Choking with passion John called out, "What's the matter with you people? I just GAVE MY SON for you! Don't you even care?" Nobody heard; nobody looked; nobody knew and no one responded as the train disappeared across the river.
It is a sad, heat rending story of sacrifice. It’s also very grisly and horrific. Some Christians even claim it is true. Who knows, it could be, but it is very as by 1937, every drawbridge should have been protected by signals that would stop the train if the bridge was not down and locked. But think about the story as an allegory to God’s sacrifice of his only son. I feel for the man in the story, but would I still feel for him as strongly if I realized he got his son back whole and healthy three days later? Would the story be as anguished if knew father and son would be reunited in just a few short days? It kind of loses the emotional impact doesn’t it? We can still feel for the child’s pain and anguish, but, if he comes back to life after a few short days, that’s about it.
Christians, why won’t you die for me? You are going to Heaven after you die right? Currently I am going to Hell by everything you believe. Shouldn't you be willing to die for me, or for anyone who believes differently than you do? You know you’re waking up in Heaven. It is a wonderful happy place in the bosom of God. You know I am going straight to Hell. (Hint, if you actually believed in Heaven and the "message" of Jesus you would be.)
Are you not supposed to “Love your neighbor as yourself”? If so you should be willing to take a bullet for anyone of a different religion such as Islam or Hinduism, or even a godless Antichrist such as me. Instead of fighting them, you should be dying for them. Perhaps, by your gracious sacrifice they would be saved. Seeing you giving up your life for them might touch their hearts and bring them at last into God’s bosom.
But you’re not willing to die for me are you? You're ready to lecture me, persecute me, and pray for me, even kill me but you would never die for me. Why not?
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