His Sacrifice

   In our society we see many people that insist on having their personal rights.  The biblical teaching of self-sacrifice is old-fashioned and foolish in many peoples’ mind.  Sure, people may give for what they can get back but it is ridiculous to give only to help someone without hope of return.

    In the past, many have given sacrificially.  A Canadian author, William D. Matheson, in My Grandfather’s War, tells of a veteran who walked through the streets of his hometown with an empty sleeve.  When someone commented on the loss of his arm, the veteran replied, “I didn’t lose it, I gave it.”

    As we focus on spiritual things, that describes exactly what Jesus did for us.  He didn’t lose His life on the cross.  The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 1:3-4, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” The phrase “gave Himself” and/or “has given Himself” is used 6 times in the KJV of the NT in talking about the sacrifice that Christ made.  Jesus paid the penalty of our sins (death, Romans 6:23) so that all of those who are obedient to Him could have forgiveness of sins and eternal life.  He didn’t lose His life, He gave it.

   Following Christ’s example, we are to give ourselves unselfishly to His service and in helping others.  Peter wrote, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.” (I Peter 2:21).  We have a responsibility to follow in His steps.  We do this not by fulfilling our every desire, but by living a sacrificial life in His service (Romans 12:1).  Let us be thankful that He gave His life, so that we do not have to lose ours.

                                                                             --Shane Williams