A Hero of Service and Sacrifice

Of all the news stories about Hurricane Sandy, this one caught my eye.  It was titled, “NYPD officer dies after helping save 7 family members.”  NYC police officer Artur Kasprzak had helped move 6 adults and his toddler nephew into his home’s attic, to escape the rising floodwaters on Oct. 30. 

Then Kasprzak went back down to his father’s basement to look for his father.  Unknown to him, his father had already left the house and was on his way up to the attic by a different path.  Arter didn’t return, and later his body was found in the basement.  One online comment posted after the story said, “May God rest his soul.  He died in an honorable way.”

The way in which he lost his life shows his love for his family.  He risked his life and died because of his love for his father.  I think of those who’ve had bad relationships with our fathers, and I wonder how many of us would have done that, if we’d been in that kind of situation.  Artur made the ultimate sacrifice for his father, in sacrificing his own life for him.  Kasprzak died like Jesus died, in giving up his life for someone else.  Would you sacrifice your life for someone you love?  That is true service and devotion. 

Some Christ-followers don’t seem willing to make such sacrifice for our Heavenly Father or the Lord Jesus, but then we see a story like this one, and are reminded of those who have made such deep sacrifices.  I think of a middle-aged man and his wife with a beautiful suburban home which they sold so that they could serve a poor, urban ministry.  I think of those who’ve accepted the call to serve the Lord overseas.  There have been many believers in nations that persecuted Christ-followers, who were executed because they refused to deny the Lordship of Christ.

Some ask, Where was God in this disaster that killed so many.  I believe God was in the countless sacrificial actions of people like Artur Kasprzak.  God was in the actions of rescuers who risked their lives to save many in Sandy’s floodwaters.  God was in the decisions of elected officials who put the welfare of their citizens above political matters. 

Jesus said “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”  (Mark 10:43-45).    You and I have opportunities to serve our families and make sacrifices for others.  Be a hero for someone this week.