LOVING JESUS | In Sacrifice
Part II of the eponymous series
Jesus gave up His all for me, am I willing to give up my all for Him?
The subject of sacrifices is one that is prominent from the first book in the Scriptures to its end. Cain and Abel’s story paint a vivid picture of laying offerings to God, as well as His reception and rejection of them according to His just standards. From this story onwards, we see various examples and types of sacrifices recorded in the Old Testament (such as grain, sin, peace, burnt offerings) and the New Testament (the ultimate sacrifice offered by Jesus Christ for the world and what the ideal response to it should be).
In order to delve into the theme of this post, the meaning of sacrifice must be examined.
What is a sacrifice?
A sacrifice is a thing that is lost or surrendered for the sake of something else. Bringing this definition into the Christian faith, we can say that a sacrifice is a thing(s) given up for God. This can exist in different forms and cuts across diverse areas of our lives such as time, talents, resources, relationships to name a few. It is a definite element in the Christian reality as certain things will be required from us by the Lord in our progressive journeys with Him.
Our Call to Love
The highest commandment given to all believers is the call to love the Father.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Recognizing that this love is the same one cited in Mark 12:30 by the Saviour is essential. The root Greek word, agapaó, speaks about a sacrificial love that is concerned and willing to offer the entirety of itself for another's good. It has no ulterior motives, is pure and seeks God’s will in all situations no matter the cost.
There is nothing that should trump loving the Creator in thoughts, deeds and everyday living. More often than we realize, we are presented with the option to choose Him or another thing daily. In such moments, there is a tendency to hold back for fear of being called names, or looked down upon. Indeed, we can take a cue from Mary and her wiping of His feet.
The Tests Your Love Must Endure
Every real relationship goes through some form of “tests” in its lifetime; some come out unscathed while others do not live past the cracks and fractures that the storms have raised.
Genesis 22 exemplifies the test of one man’s love for his Maker and shows how God will tug at the very thing(s) we hold dear to our hearts, be it “little” or “big”. In these instances, we must take a stance — to let go or remain clung to it.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
Laying down one’s life involves a certain readiness to go all the way no matter the cost. It is a kind that does not shrink back, but forges ahead in spite of difficulties that come along.
Jesus Christ spoke about the need for those who desire to follow Him to deny themselves and take up their cross. A cross, sadly, is not the prettiest thing to possess let alone carry neither does our flesh value the idea of being subjects to the Cross. Yet, it signifies the cost of one’s discipleship, and our places of execution.
By setting the example of His death, we are challenged in our respective sojourns with the King. Will we willingly give up our prized possessions when He demands? Will we be quick to do His biddings in spite of expectations from others? Will we set aside the needs that seek to compete with His attention in our lives? Will our love stand the test of time?
Give God Your Isaac
Every human, unbelievers and believers alike, has something that can be regarded as an Isaac in his life. These “Isaacs” may have been given to us by God Himself, or elements that the Lord demands we surrender for His sake.
When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, he considered his friendship with the Divine far valuable and willingly obeyed in spite of the emotions that were stirred in him. Today, God bids us to the same call, asking for our Isaacs.
What will your true response be?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for giving us your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank You for Your love that shines bright in the midst of the dark world. As You ask us to reciprocate this love, give us the grace to be truly and wholly Yours. Help us to surrender and give up anything for Your sake. Help us to accept the cost of worship and wholly offer ourselves as living sacrifices on Your altar.
Teach us what it means to love You, Lord. Teach us what this really means. Amen.
*Further Readings: Romans 12:1-2