Today’s post will be about modern day sacrifice in the Christian life.
Thankfully, God no longer requires us to partake in the sacrifice of animals to atone for our sins, since the wonderful counselor, Jesus Christ, died for our sins and rose from the grave on the third day! As the scriptures say:
“He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said” – 1 Corinthians 15:4 NLT.
However, does that mean that we no longer have to sacrifice anything in our lives anymore?
Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and if we are to be more like Him, then sacrifice has to also be a part of our lives; just as it was a monumental part of Jesus’ life.
Jesus not only lived sacrificially, but He also died sacrificially for all of our sins. Therefore, there was never a moment in Jesus’ life or death when He wasn’t sacrificing Himself for others and for God’s ministry.
Psalm 4:5 talks about, “the sacrifices of righteousness.”
“Offer the sacrifices of righteousness
and put your trust in the Lord” -Psalm 4:5 NKJV
What types of sacrifices are pleasing to God that apply in this day and age? How can we be more like Jesus and live a sacrificial life? Let’s turn to the scriptures.
“Honor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine” – Proverbs 3:9-10
These scriptures are talking about tithing to the Lord’s ministry and the sacrifice of giving. It speaks of the blessings that God bestows upon those who give their resources to the Lord’s work.
“And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God” – Romans 6:13
This scripture is talking about your physical self. Your body, your will and your choices. God wants us to give ourselves to God and offer ourselves as instruments for His righteous plans, just as Jesus offered Himself to the cross.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” – Psalm 51:17
This scripture refers to having a heart that is against sin. God wants us to be humble, meek and to look at our sin with the same sorrow that He does. God wants us to be able to look at ourselves and recognize our position of need. Need for a Savior and our daily need for a relationship with God. This should be our mindset and attitude as a Christian.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:31 (KJV), “I die daily.”
Being fully alive in Christ means we have to sacrifice something- our flesh.
Let us continually have an attitude of sacrifice and a yearning to be more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let’s strive to live a life that is pleasing to God and as His children, be full of love towards God, just as He is full of love towards us.
There is a tendency to believe that once we are saved, “that’s it.” There is no longer anything required of us. However, through studying the scriptures in the New Testament, we can conclude that once we are saved, that is truly, only the beginning of God’s work in and through us!
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good” – Galatians 6:9
In conclusion, Jesus demonstrated His love for us through what He did on the cross. Love is demonstrated (shown) through sacrifice! Thank the Lord for His great love towards us, demonstrated through the biggest sacrifice that He could ever have made- giving His son for us.
God bless each and everyone who these words fall upon! Be blessed as you find new ways to honor God in His word! Thank you!
Lifted Vision Ministry 