The Richest Sacrifice
God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. ––John 3:16
Jesus was rich in sacrifice. He sacrificed His time, energy, and efforts. He sacrificed His comforts of home to connect with people. He sacrificed recognition of men for reconciliation of men to God. He sacrificed energy to take care of others, trusting that God would replenish Him at the proper time. He sacrificed His right to get even with His killers. He sacrificed earthly recognition, comfort, approval, pleasures, power, and passions.
He did so knowing that His sacrifices were not unnoticed. He knew that beyond recognition would be celebration. He knew He was moving into an arena that no one had ever moved into before. As all man and all God, His humanity still felt all the emotions that we do—He even anguished over the proposition of the cross, but chose to go forward anyway when He said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). He was willing to go all the way, and lay down the costliest sacrifice of all up to the altar of others’ free will. And yet, He didn’t try to force anyone into heaven.
Conversely, the character of Christ cannot form in the heart of a man who is not willing to sacrifice. When we surrender, we show your love for him. The key to real sacrifice is believing that the glory of God is more important than anything you are giving up.
God knows that when you are obeying His will, you are trusting in His love for you. God’s requirement for obedience is not for Him, it’s for you. He knows––love conquers all.
Thank you Father, that Jesus cared enough about me to sacrifice. Help me focus every day on Your love for me.