Sacrifice

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”  Hebrews 13:16
Sacrifice – often times in the old testament, had an entirely different connotation than what comes to mind when we talk about sacrifice today.  Open virtually any book of the old testament and it seems like the ancient Israelites were always setting something on fire – or butchering something on an alter….everything from doves to bulls and rams – as a sacrifice to God.
But – when Jesus started to teach in the new testament, sacrifice started to be a little more personal.  sacrifice wasn’t just about a bird or an unblemished lamb every now and then….it was about total surrender of self.  It was about loving God so much that you would forego ANYTHING and EVERYTHING.  Jesus himself loved so deeply that he gave the ultimate sacrifice.  He died – a horrible death – on the cross….for unlovely sinners – like me.
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 10:45
Death on the cross for Jesus and eternal life for us. AND – as if THAT wasn’t enough to forfeit – Jesus’ ENTIRE life was about serving others.  Sacrifice – in its truest form – isn’t just about giving; or even about giving everything up.  Sacrifice is about serving others – not being self-serving.  Sacrifice is about loving others – more than ourselves.
Just a little over a week until our official DAY OF ACTION and I have a very important question for each of you – “What are you willing to sacrifice for a neighbor in need?”
It’s a personal question.
It’s a brutal question.
It’s a question that I sincerely hope you pray about.
And when you have the answer I hope that you take the leap of faith and make that sacrifice willingly…..and like King David with a humble spirit and a repentant heart.  And most importantly – sacrifice lovingly ….and not because I nagged you to give something up to serve others.
If this blog touched a nerve (or worked on your nerves) so much that you want to slaughter a bull and bring it to me Sunday…..I’ll see that it is put to good use.  But if the blog touched your heart and you want to sacrifice in a way that shows that you “Love God, Love people and take action” email us for serving opportunities and donation lists.
“And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.”  1 Corinthians 13:3

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