Sacrifice

 

2 Corinthians 5:21

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 

Where do we know ultimate sacrifice from? Jesus, of course, exemplifies sacrifice to the tee. He showed us through His death what sacrifice looks like, but also what it consists of. What does it even take to come to this level of sacrifice? What do you have to have spiritually and where do have to be spiritually to get here? 

What Jesus showed me that to sacrifice you have to be unselfish and wear the clothing of a servant. On the cross, in His death, Jesus was serving. He was serving generations in the past, current, and those to come. Even in heaven Jesus is serving others by interceding still on our behalf. We have to have the heart of a servant! One that genuinely sees others needs before their own, while Holy Spirit guides them at the same time on how to take care of themselves. 

When I think of being a daughter of God, I still don’t lose my honor towards Him. I know I’m a daughter, but I also know who my Father is and will respect everything He consists of. I am a daughter in the Kingdom of God who doesn’t mind serving. Where I started in sacrifices and worship does not end because God has entrusted proximity to Him; this proximity even more instills a fear of the Lord and respect. There’s an integrity that is entrusted with proximity in relationship. You are now considered a confidant. One who prays before sending a message or posting on social media. Our God is an integral God, a jealous God, and one that will not share secrets to those He cannot trust.

Furthermore, when I think of the characteristics of sacrifice shown through Jesus, I think of His actions before the cross as well. I think of a huge, glaringly obvious sacrifice was His friendships and acquaintances. He knew Judas would betray Him, but made the sacrifice of keeping him around because He knew this mission and purpose was bigger than Him….this was for generations old and new. 

What does this say to us? Are we willing to keep those close we know are not hanging around for our best interests? Are we willing to go to God to see why these individuals are in our lives in the first place? Who has our Father placed in your life as a lesson, for development of character, or to even intercede for? Are we willing to be mature enough to pray and bless those who persecute us? 

I truly believe God is able to measure where we are at spiritually by what we’re willing to fall prey to. Did you learn your lesson yet? The same things don’t just happen for no reason. There is a lesson to be learned and there is growth to be made. Sacrifice is in the name. There has to be some form of sacrifice to grow. 

I am living out and seeing why the narrow path is so narrow. This path challenges you to face your demons, heal, and be delivered and set free. Most, if we can be honest, would rather not do this and take the easy way out…the wide path. However, if you are thinking and looking ahead, what lies in the now and at the end of these paths differ big time. I would rather have to sacrifice through my obedience, and do some things I don’t want to do temporarily to have everlasting life with Jesus my Saviour. 

Obedience is better than sacrifice, but this does not mean that there will be none that will have to be made, and if we can be honest some of the sacrifices that are being made are really dying to our old, worldly ways. 

***Lord, we thank you for the sacrifices you have led us to make in our lives and even currently. We thank you for your protection throughout having to make those sacrifices. We thank you for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We repent for not doing this sooner and ignoring your nudges; even those nudges that were literally pushes. Father, may we not ignore your nudge and your push at times. Father, may we be quick to be obedient and just move when you say. Father, we ask for your wisdom regarding what you want us to do and those things and maybe even people we will have to give up to move forward. Lord, show us who or what this is. Let us pray into it and for those people. We love you and will continue to honor you. In Jesus’ Name—Amen.***