“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us” (1 John 3:16).

It is hard to read. My eyes still well up with tears as I read of the heroic measures some took the day that the Twin Towers were struck by the airplanes. Recently I was reading of a man who went from floor to floor seeking survivors, pulling them from under the wreckage, leading them to the exit, and even helping them get started down the long stairwell. As they were going down, he would turn around and go back up to help others out of the building. He died in the collapse of the World Trade Center Tower. He is a hero, and because of him, many were rescued. But a greater sacrifice was made on our behalf. The Lord Jesus took our place, and in the will of His Father became our Savior. It is the greatest sacrifice and the greatest expression of love that has ever taken place.

For today: In our place the Savior stood. On him was placed our awful sin. Can we ever understand such love for us? I want to thank Him often today. How about you?