Woke up this early Spring morning, thinking about sacrifice. By definition, sacrifice costs. Cost means suffering, a little or a lot. Suffering often comes with pain. It leaves wounds and scars us. Because sacrifice is costly, painful, and wounding, we usually shy away from it.
But sometimes, moments of sacrifice come upon us whether we want them or not. They wound us whether we like it or not. They disfigure our familiar, comfortable, physical and psychological landscapes, whether we like it or not.
As a matter of fact, there is no life without sacrifice. Every mother sacrifices daily for her unborn child, giving generously of her blood and bones for the building of its body. The birthing process, whether natural or surgical comes with great physical pain and leaves a scar. Often times, women sacrifice their lives giving birth to a child.
Likewise, the birthing of our souls from death to life came with great costs of suffering, scars, and death. The serpent rage of sin vent itself upon the body of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave His life “as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) Wounded unto death, Jesus conquered death and rose from the dead, “leading captivity captive,” and “gave gifts unto men.” (Ephesians 4:8)
The most precious gift ever given is the gift of eternal life, paid for with the greatest sacrifice, by Jesus Christ. Scriptures tell us that He “was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:5-6)
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:5-6 KJV
The word for today is #wound. What will you sacrifice for today? What or who is your sacrifice for? What wounds will your sacrifice cause you to bear?
Until next time: Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! (Ephesians 6:10)
Your friend in Christ,
Verneda
Twitter handle: @vlights
