Sacrifice

On this Veteran’s Day morning in the United States, I sit and think of all those that I know who have put themselves in harm’s way for our/my continued freedom. I think of what they have done, the places they have gone and the things they have seen that have changed their lives, that have captured their childhood innocence. Some have been friends who have worked in and flown threw hot zones, war zones, contested conflict areas so we can continue to be free. On this Veteran’s Day, I think of them.

When I think of sacrifice, I think of…

A soldier willing to sacrifice self, safety, even life for the sake of life, liberty, and freedom for others.

A firemen and a police officer willing to sacrifice safety and self to protect and save others.

An athlete willing to sacrifice time, energy, self for the good of the team.

The Savior, the Son of God, Jesus, who was willing to live and die and live again for us. A Living Sacrifice for the sins of a sinful people.

All, in one way or another, sacrificing self for others.

In the Bible, there are other references to sacrifice and sacrificing of self that may come across a little different, but are still referencing a sacrifice of self, nonetheless:

Psalm 51:17 - The sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart
Psalm 141:2 - The sacrifice of prayer
Romans 12:1 - Offering our bodies as a living sacrifice
Philippians 4:18 - The sacrifice of giving to missions
Hebrews 13:15 - The sacrifice of praise

As a church going people, we are all too often willing to give something to God as long as it is convenient and doesn’t cost much (time, money, commitment, etc.)

All too often, we in our western culture and mindset don’t understand the meaning of sacrifice. “We know little,” as David Jeremiah so accurately states, “of the sacrifices of those who have preceded us or who are today suffering great privations for the Gospel.” 

In our westernized mindset, we can’t quite comprehend the meaning of dying to self and living for Christ.... can’t quite understand what it means to serve God without thought of convenience or cost... sacrificing self for the sake of the cross.

Sacrifice - the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something with a higher claim.

Are we willing to be a living sacrifice for Christ... no matter the cost?

Thank you Veterans... There’ no greater love than one willing to die for his friends.

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem

“God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” 
- Romans 3:25-26