He Saved Others

It comes as no surprise that Jesus was ridiculed and had so many false statements made about him during his ministry on earth. Even when hanging upon the cross the chief priests looked at him and uttered these words “he saved others, himself he cannot save.” However, for once they got it right. They thought his failure to come down from the cross represented weakness. Little did they know that they were seeing the greatest power known to man—the willingness of someone to give his life for another. The mission of Christ was never about his saving himself but rather saving others. The story is told that General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, was to be the keynote speaker for an International Conference held in America. Due to illness he was unable to attend but promised to send a telegram to be read to the vast audience. On the opening night the committee anxiously awaited Booth’s message. As time lapsed they walked to the stage to begin the service when the courier finally arrived. When they opened the telegram it contained only one word-- “Others.” What a powerful message to be delivered. It was not the typical sermon contained within a manuscript that would take forty-five minutes for delivery. Yet it spoke volumes and left a profound impact. Through the experience of Christ and the story of William Booth we are left with the impression that much can be done when we say less and do more. Our lives like theirs should be consumed with the thought of saving the lost. When this transpires we as a church will be demonstrating the will of God and the power of the Holy Spirit who has called us and empowered us to reach “others.”