Tag: Sacrifice

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Holy Week REFlections: Good Friday, April 14, 2017

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13

Love is best defined through sacrifice. When we witness a couple exchange vows on their wedding day, seasoned married couples know full well that this moment is a promise of commitment and love. These vows are tested by the challenges and opportunities that life presents. It’s the sacrifices by each spouse from day to day that leads to the success of a marriage. While words and verbal declarations are important, the fulfillment of those words through action carries even greater weight.

Jesus personified love through His sacrifice on the Cross. This sacrificial act of love was not under compulsion, but under obedience to the Father. Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane:

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” – Luke 22:42

This Scripture passage demonstrates that Jesus preferred another route to save the world from sin and eternal damnation. This “cup” was a hefty price to pay. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary was a risky proposition. Jesus committed to die on a cross for a people that may ultimately reject Him. Yet, the promise of each member of humanity to become the righteousness of God (in right standing with the Father) was worth the risk. The reward was a people reconciled back to God.

On this Good Friday, we are reminded of the great sacrifice of the Father. He surrendered His one and only begotten Son for the sins of the world. This day, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus, who surrendered to the brutality leading to and at the cross. Jesus took the ultimate risk for the reward of relationship with you.

I know Whitney Houston was sang of “The Greatest Love of All”. No greater love was personified than Jesus laying down His life for His friends.

On this Good Friday, we are reminded that death died so that we may have life and life more abundantly.

What will you respond to the greatest love of all? 

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Holy Week REFlections: Tuesday, April 11, 2017

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24

When Jesus bore our sins on the cross, it was and remains the greatest sacrifice. Jesus took on the curse, the guilt, and the punishment of our sin. Think about this. Here an innocent, blameless man voluntarily takes on the role of guilt-bearer. While many identify Jesus as Savior and Lord, the title of guilt-bearer took on a role new meaning from the perspective of the cross.

What guilt and shame are you carrying? Oftentimes, our spiritual progress is hindered when the chains of condemnation arrest us. Even when appearing to be free, regrets and missteps may bind us. You may have raised the question, “How could a perfect God forgive me with my imperfections?” God answered this question through His only begotten Son, Jesus, accepting the call of surrender. As Christ surrendered His self for us, we are called to surrender our will for His. He is not asking us to do something that He was unwilling to do. He modeled surrender before the cross, at the cross and after the cross.

Today, you may be at a crossroads. As we reflect on the life of Jesus this Holy Week, you may find it challenging to surrender and submit because of the cost. Don’t fear. When we surrender to God’s will, there will always be a price. But the price of surrender pales in comparison to the joy of relationship with Jesus. Let’s not forsake the call of surrender – the blessings far outweigh the cost.

Today’s Prayer:

Lord, thank you for Your sacrifice on the Cross. As you’ve modeled surrender on my behalf, I make a commitment to you today to surrender my will to Yours. Grant me the courage to follow You everyday. As I reflect on Your sacrifice, may I never the price you paid. Thank you for giving your life for mine. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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Holy Week REFlections: Monday, April 10, 2017

“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” – 1 John 2:2

 

In 1 John, Jesus is described as the propitiation for our sins. While we often do not use this word in our modern vernacular, it does befit us to explore what this means. Propitiation was a way to satisfy the anger of God whose holy standard was violated by our sin. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were offered to make amends. But, the Scriptures highlight the fact that Jesus actually embodied the full measure of sacrifice for our violation. Jesus made this sacrifice by dying on the cross for the sins of not only Christians, but also the whole world.

 

What does this mean for us? There is no sin that you’ve committed that is not covered by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Remaining in a place of condemnation and shame over past offenses and sins rejects what Jesus gave His life for. God’s heart for you demanded that His Son Jesus be offered to you as a gift for new life. On this day, will you accept the gift of Jesus?

 

Jesus died for everyone. And His death on the cross extends forgiveness for all those who enter into relationship with Him. If you’re a Christian (Christ-follower), pray that God will continue to reveal to you the depth, width and height of His love. If you’re searching and investigating the truth of Scripture, my prayer for you is that as you read the Bible, the truth of Christ’s sacrifice and its meaning will change your life forever.

Today’s Prayer:

Lord, remind me that you offer forgiveness for my sins and faith to live a life that represents You. I humble myself before You, recognizing that I need You to live a fulfilling, fruitful life. During this Holy Week, help me to know You are near and ready to offer restoration for my brokenness. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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Good Friday: Blood Medley (Tamela Mann)

This Good Friday, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. For our sins, Jesus became sin and once and for all, conquered sin, death and the grave. 

For our #REFlections devotion, let’s view The Blood Medley by Gospel recording artist Tamela Mann.

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