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The religion of Jesus Christ is rooted in sacrifice. Recall the words of John 3:16 and take note of the sacrifice that God made for us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” In 2 Corinthians 8:9 Paul called attention to the personal sacrifice that Jesus made, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” Our Father and our Savior were willing to give up that which was precious for our eternal good. Therefore, the Christian who is unwilling to sacrifice things of value for the good of God’s cause is not living in harmony with the most basic of Christian principles.
One of the most interesting events in the Old Testament takes place in 2 Samuel 24. David, at the command of God, had traveled to the home of Araunah the Jebusite (vv. 18-19). David’s goal upon arrival was to purchase Araunah’s threshing floor from him, build an altar on it, and make a sacrifice to God that would bring an end to a severe plague that God was using to punish Israel (vv. 20-21). When Araunah learned why David had come, he insisted that David accept some oxen and the threshing floor as gifts (vv. 22-23). The king responded with these words, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God with that which costs me nothing” (v. 24).
The greatness of God and the goodness of God should develop within us a desire to sacrifice for God. May we all prayerfully consider this as we contemplate our contributions to the work of the Lord.
Eddie Parrish
Grabber Road church of Christ
Rosenberg, TX