It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once had captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, “What will you give me if I release you?” “The half of my wealth,” was his reply. “And if I release your children?” “Everything I possess.” “And if I release your wife?” “Your Majesty, I will give myself.” Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all. As they returned home, the prince said to his wife, “Wasn’t Cyrus a handsome man!” With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, “I didn’t notice. I could only keep my eyes on you- -the one who was willing to give himself for me.”
Dear church with all that the Lord Jesus has given us in sacrificing His very life for us, should we not also have our eyes fixed on Jesus the Author and Perfector of our faith? There are many wonderful and beautiful images in this world to arrest our attention, but there is none greater than the image of Jesus our Savior giving His life for us. May we pray that we stay focused and devoted to no other figure than Christ alone.
Pastor Mark Morton