Pirates

On my arrival in Nassau in the Bahamas, I saw that a new museum called Pirates of Nassau Museum had recently opened. As I was taken from one display and exhibit to another and listened to the commentary on pirating in the Caribbean and in and around the Bahamian Islands, I realized that those scoundrels had only one thing in view in coming to the area, and that was to get something for themselves. They were selfish men and women who wanted treasure, and they cared for no one else. They plundered, hurt and killed, and used any ruthless means they could think of. They were out to GET, by whatever means it took.
It is a joy to be able to tell of the Lord Jesus Christ, who came into this world, not to GET, but to GIVE. The pirates of the Caribbean murdered and stole; the Lord gives life and spiritual riches to those who receive Him as Saviour. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)). He gave His life: “Even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:4545For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)). He “gave Himself” (Galatians 2:2020I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)). And now He says, “I give unto them eternal life” (John 10:2828And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28)). The Lord Jesus wants us for what He can GIVE us, not what He can GET from us.
I hope that the contrast is helpful to you, that the message of a GIVING Saviour will be remembered, and that many will come to Him, accepting what He has to give. And what about you? Have you received with a thankful heart what He offers to you? “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)). If you have, you have also received many other wonderful gifts from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:1717Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)).