Attaining anything of value places demands upon a person
Becoming a musician, doctor, or teacher (or any other artist or expert)
requires time, effort, money, and training. Forming a diamond also takes time and tons of pressure, but it is these very sacrifices and stresses that
make the professions and gems so precious.
Both the person learning the new behaviors and the coal changing
to diamonds, willingly (or naturally) make an exchange. They allow the
sacrifices and surrender to the pressures to become someone or
something more valuable.
Musicians,
doctors, and teachers sacrifice their time, money, and social life to
study for their careers in order to improve the lives of others. Yet as admirable as
these accomplishments are, there is One who gave His all in the greatest
exchange that ever took place. This momentous event occurred during Passover
when an innocent man died on a criminal’s cross, all because He loved us and wanted to spend eternity with us (Romans 5:8).
Jesus
Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, willingly suffered, died, and rose again for
our sins, so you and I can be righteous in God’s eyes and live eternally (2
Corinthians 5:21). The
Bible says that when this exchange is made, we not only experience forgiveness,
peace, blessings, and heaven, but when we teach others the way of
righteousness, we will also shine like the stars of heaven forever (Daniel
12:3).
My awful sins for His light and righteousness. Best exchange ever!
