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Christ: The First Responder
Bryan VanMeter
September 11, 2016
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Our "Saviors" Reflect Our Savior
In Romans, Paul says "Pay your taxes, for government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them...and give respect and honor to those who are in authority."
Fifteen years ago today, some of our government workers in New York City ran headlong into tragedy and danger. These men and women had pre-decided to give their lives, if need be, for the lives of others. They trained for it, and signed on to jobs that would make them useful. So when they got the call, they ran into the need.
In the same way, right here in Amarillo, we have a whole army of first responders who have also pre-decided to be available to us when we call.
And they are called. I have called them numerous times in the dozen years I've been here. When I do, someone always answers the phone. And whether it has been the police, fire department, EMS - and I have called them all - they have shown up, running right into the need, willing, at minimum, to be inconvenienced, and at maximum, to give their lives, for the lives of others.
Today, we give them respect and honor. If you are one of our first responder guests today, you have blessed us again by your presence. We would do anything for you, just like you do it for us. Welcome.
In what you do, you reflect for us the story of Jesus, whom we worship and serve. He, too, pre-decided to give his life for the lives of others. He, too, ran headlong into brokenness and danger.
So, whether you were aware of it or not, we see Christ in you because of who you are to us in this city, and you are serving God in what you do. We love and thank you. And if you need a church family, you have found it.