Articles
Word Of The Week: Sacrifice
A sacrifice costs us something. It is giving up something of great value, something that we would like to enjoy or keep.
A cheap sacrifice reveals little care on the part of the giver. David said he would not offer sacrifices to God if they did not cost him anything (II Sam. 24:24). That would defeat the purpose!
A sacrifice is never accidental. It is not merely losing something of value to chance or tragedy but a conscious decision to part with something of value. When Jesus offered Himself to purify us, He said (about His life): "No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again: (John 10:18).
A sacrifice always has an object. It is offered with the purpose of obtaining some benefit for ourselves or someone else. One does not willingly part with something costly unless there is an equal or greater benefit to be gained.
Jesus is the one "who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works" (Titus 3:14).
