Sacrifice is an intimidating word. In fact, it may remind you of the Old Testament, where they killed animals as a way of recognizing that their sin had a cost. Sacrifice involves surrendering something precious and important to us. When Jesus died on the cross, he became the perfect sacrifice for sin for all time, but we are invited to join him in letting go of our lives for something even greater.
Hebrews 13:15-16 says,
“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”
In the Message paraphrase, verse 16 is translated this way: “God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of “sacrifice”—that take place in the kitchen and workplace and on the streets.”
(If you have time, read through the whole chapter of Hebrews 13. It reads like the author’s final words of challenge for the church, with many practical challenges.)
A question to consider:
Think of a time when you’ve honored God by giving something up. Have you ever thought about how God reacted to that sacrifice?
An action step to take:
How can I offer a sacrifice today – something that costs me something – in my everyday environments (like home, work, and my neighborhood)?
Is there something that would remind me to keep this perspective?