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The Meaning of Sacrifice


   Sacrifice.  What does it mean?  

   Because of our fallen nature, the natural tendency is to do things that feel good.  That is what self is; fulfilling our desires.  
   Sacrifice is different.  When we don’t fulfill one of our selfish desires, we call it a sacrifice.  The autopilot of carnal man is to fulfill selfish desires, so when we make a sacrifice, it hurts.  
   But wait a minute.  In Romans 12:1, God calls us to be a “living sacrifice”.  How could God require us to do that?  Surely, a loving God would not require that of us.  But, perhaps, there is love in it.  
   First, this question: did God make any sacrifices?  Yes.  When Adam fell, God decided to carry out His plan to send His only Son, Jesus, to this world to die for us.  He did it at a huge risk.  If Jesus had failed in one point, everything would have been lost.  Was this an easy decision?  Not at all.  But He did make that decision.  Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus… Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of God.”  
   Did you catch that?  Jesus chose to sacrifice, because of the joy that was set before Him - the joy of seeing fallen men redeemed and brought to live with Him in heaven.  For Him, though sacrifice was hard, it was a joy!  Why?  Love.
   Love.  A small word with enough packed in to fill the depths of the sea with books.  Except its full extent cannot even be put into words.  Love is powerful.  It is perhaps one of the most powerful things in the universe.  God sacrificed, because He loved (See John 3:16).  And because of that sacrifice, He has the joy of redeeming souls.
   But what about us?  Why should we make sacrifices?  In Deuteronomy 5:29, the LORD said, “O that there were such an heart in them that they would fear Me, and keep all My commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!”
   Did you catch that?  God meant it so deeply, that the Bible uses an exclamation mark!  My friends, God is love, and all His commands are because of love. The LORD has infinite wisdom, and He knows exactly what is best for you and me.  
   Our natural tendency is to sin, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).  He does not want you to die! This is why He calls us to make sacrifices.  He wants us to live. “In His favor is life” (Psalm 30:5). He never asks us to do something that is not for our good.  When He asks us to give something up, that thing is always something that would hurt us if we didn’t let go of it.  So, when He calls us to be a living sacrifice, it is out of love and care for our personal good.
   Because of this, we can have joy in sacrifice.  Though it be difficult, though it hurts for a little while or a long time, we can gladly do it, because we are in the care of a loving, awesome God.  
Sacrifice is synonymous with joy; surrender is synonymous with victory.  Whenever you are called by God to make a sacrifice, remember: God is asking you to do it, why? Because He loves you.  

   Keep trusting in Jesus!
   ~Lilienne Stafford

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