Sacrifice....do we get it?!
I've been pondering the thoughts of sacrifice. Perhaps it 's the coming of Easter or Resurrection Sunday. Thinking about the ultimate sacrifice, the greatest sacrifice ever given, the sacrifice that was made for all. Perhaps it's trying to comprehend the sacrifice of one man that made a way for us all. It's the one and only sacrifice that bridges the gap to eternity. We think that we understand sacrifice...maybe we sacrifice or give up something for this season that some call lent. Giving up chocolate, sodas or TV. Opting to not eat that extra piece of bread so we can enjoy dessert. Giving up or sacrificing an extra hour of sleep to begin a trip to the beach a bit earlier. Do we really get it? Could we possibly grasp the magnitude of the sacrifice that was paid over 2000 years ago?! I can't stop singing this song...the words won't leave me. It's the reminder that I'm the sinner mentioned here. My sins that encompass and overwhelm me each and every day...neglecting to spend time with HIM, being in too much of a rush to share his love with someone, choosing to not forgive a wrong, impatiently serving my children or my husband, being caught up in just being too busy, being concerned with more...more stuff, more money...desiring a clean house more than a clean heart, judging the sins of others while neglecting to repent of my own sins, giving in to what-if's rather than trusting in the great potential of what HE can & desires to do, surrendering to worry rather than surrendering to The One that already knows the outcome. All of this is nothing in the great scheme of things. He knew my sins, He knew the struggles that I'd have, He knew every single failure, every prideful thought & selfish deed that would come so naturally to me and yet HE willingly made the ultimate sacrifice of his life! Over 2000 years ago, a man named Jesus, fully man and fully God came to point us to eternity. All these years later, He is still in the business of saving lives and offering love to us...sinners. He awaits in glory for you to completely sacrifice your life for Him! No, there's no cross for you to hang on, spikes won't be driven through your hands and feet as they were His. It's you, your heart, it's allowing Him to guide you, love you and completely come in and wreck your life. Maybe you're too busy doing church...BE the church! Maybe you have no idea what I'm even talking about. The thoughts of having your life wrecked has you completely baffled. You can message me, I'm happy to explain. What I can say is that doing life with Him and for Him pales in comparison to that piece of dessert you're saving calories for, it's better than that new car or bigger house. This place is not my home, I'm a foreigner here...just passing through (Psalm 39:12). This is Easter weekend, as He was on that cross, He did it for you, that you might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). So, what will you choose...Will you choose to live the way you want here, to seek wealth, prosperity and comfort...will you choose the perishable. All of those things will fade away. Or will you choose life, an abundant life, a life living for the One that gives life and gave his life for you!
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
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