Sacrifice
Sacrifice is “an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy (Oxford Languages).”
It’s common today to brag about the various ways we sacrifice for our families, jobs, or dreams. Athletes can sacrifice hanging out with friends for their practice schedule. Parents might forgo a new kitchen remodel to put their kids through school. Mothers give up sleep for their children. Entrepreneurs may neglect family time to start a new business.
But do we sacrifice for the sake of God?
As a child, I experienced sacrifice by giving up sweets or TV time for Lent.* In adulthood, I took a similar attitude and used Lent as an opportunity to lose weight or give my New Year’s resolutions a new start. What I didn’t realize until later was that this practice should be pointing to God rather than back at me.
At some point in my life, I began to understand that this “giving up something for Lent” was preparing our hearts and minds to remember Jesus’ death and celebrate His Resurrection. With this perspective, deciding what was worthy enough to give up, but that I was still willing to commit to, became harder. I also remember times when I wasn’t removing but adding something good, like reading the Bible or praying. I have actually had many years when I did nothing special during Lent because nothing I thought of seemed good enough.
Sacrifice in Scripture
There are hundreds of references to sacrifice throughout the Holy Scriptures spanning from Genesis to Revelation. Most sacrifices referred to the slaughter and burning of animals upon an altar (ugh). A practice that now would undoubtedly call the attention of activists from near and far.
Sacrifice is mentioned a few times before the Israelite exodus from Egypt. But after Mosaic Law was instituted (The Ten Commandments and all the laws in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), the Israelites started a regular practice of sacrifice to God. For the next 1500 years or so, Israelites sacrificed animals, lots and lots of animals.
It didn’t take long for the sacrifices to lose their meaning…to become an item to check off a list and go on with your day. Like my experience, many people weren’t connecting the sacrifice with a relationship with God. At best, the practice became a habit. And, at worst, a burden. Too often, the people completed their animal sacrifices while turning their backs on God himself. During Isaiah’s ministry, God sent a message telling his people…don’t bother with your meaningless practices; I don’t even want them when you refuse to give me your heart (Isaiah 1). This rebuke wasn’t the only time a prophet conveyed this sentiment from God.
In the New Testament, Jesus spoke of sacrifice several times. He told us to make things right with other people before presenting a sacrifice (Matthew 5:23-24). Jesus reminded us of the words from Hosea, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice (Matthew 9:13).” Then, when a teacher of the law stated that loving God was better than sacrifice, Jesus told him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God (Mark 12:34).”
So what does God want?
Sacrifices pleasing to God are not physical as much as they are acts of love. Hebrews 13:15-16 teaches us, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
There are certainly more throughout both the Old and New Testaments, but here is what I hear in the verses already mentioned:
Repent
Love God
Show mercy
Praise God
Share God
Do good
Share with others
Sacrifices pleasing to God are not about us. They are not to be self-satisfying or fill us with pride. Our offerings should point to God. They should help us and others to grow closer to Him. They are an offering for the sake of God, because of God, and for God’s purposes.
I’ll be completely transparent here and tell you that my lenten sacrifice this year is not new. It’s a return to church. Although my daily personal time with God is stronger than ever, I have lacked formal community worship from church services. I feel God calling me back. It’s time.
So I urge you to reflect on how you can make a sacrifice, but not a sacrifice for your family, job, or health. Make a sacrifice for God. Maybe it’s something new, or perhaps it’s a return like mine. Either way, make it pleasing to Him.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1
What are you willing to sacrifice for God?
*Lent may be a foreign idea for many people, but it has its roots in the early church… long before there were Catholic and Protestant. It is now considered the period before Easter (about 40 days, but the beginning and end differ in some churches). Christians from various denominations observe it in some way or another, although Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches are most known for their fasting and abstinence requirements.
Jenny
Child of God, wife, parent, grandparent, teacher, and messenger. My life is messy, non-traditional, and imperfect, but I strive to be right where Jesus wants me. I love reading, traveling, and all things green!
4 Comments
Sharon Kail
Sacrifices pleasing to God are not about us. What a poignant statement and a reminder to all of us that sometimes we must push forward or through whatever is going on in our lives and look to our Lord.
Jenny
I love that insight! Thanks for sharing!
Maggie
Fantastic! A good challenge on where to focus our sacrifice. And, super glad about the church decision.
Jenny
Thank you! I would love to hear what others are doing as well, so we can encourage each other.