"Prize"

“Prize”

Back when they gave out ribbons,

When we showed a 4-H steer,

I was proud to win one,

That memory is real clear.

But now they’re scared to do it,

‘Cause they think that all should win,

Just show up, participate,

And you’ll get the prize, my friend.

But that participation trophy,

Just doesn’t have much weight,

Not the same as winning,

Which makes you feel so great.

And losing teaches character,

And the fact that losing’s real,

But keep on with  the best you can,

Try harder, that’s the deal.

And still at the rodeo,

There’s only one first place,

The buckle clearly says it,

And the smiling winner’s face.

The Bible says we all will stand,

Before God’s throne one day,

He’ll judge us all in righteousness,

And we will hear Him say.

Come on in, I am well-pleased,

The blood  has washed you clean,

Or depart from Me, I don’t know you,

And we’ll know what that means.

Yes or no, the day will come,

And the winners will be glad,

Because they called on Jesus’ name,

And grace was what they had.

And Jesus is the only way,

 To the Father we can come,

No other name by which we’re saved,

Yes, He’s the only one.

So step up now, confess Him Lord,

And call on Jesus’ name,

Those who call will win the prize,

And never be the same.

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6, NAs)

This is one of the most important things Jesus ever said. Claiming to be the one way to the Father does not mean God is unfair. It simply means He wants to make it clear and profoundly simple. Jesus is God’s way to salvation, and is the only way. But what about those who don’t know about Jesus? We can leave such people in the hands of a God who never misjudges anyone. Jesus is the way. Take it.

Lord, help us to embrace You as God’s way of salvation , in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, used by permission