Self denial is not a popular topic in our generation. To get things done we usually have to sacrifice whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, leadership, athlete, student, and the list goes on, etc. There comes a time when we need self discipline and not selfishness. A team sport needs each player to make it happen. It’s not just about one player. Tom Brady who has won 7 NFL Superbowls would not be the greatest if it were not for his teammates, and he would be the first to acknowledge this. In order to save money, you have to stop spending and give up some pleasures and luxuries to reach your goal.
Sacrifices come in many ways just ask a loving mother or father when they have children. Mother Theresa gave her life, her all to help abandoned orphans in Calcutta. During this coming Holy Week, I think of God the Father who sacrificed His one and only son to die on the cross for the sins of the whole world 🌎 .
God the Father who is all knowing, all powerful, and everywhere present did not have to sacrifice His only son but knew that He sent His one and only son to earth for one purpose. Jesus came to this earth to die for the sins of humanity and take the wrath and the punishment for all of our sins, not just some of our sin, but ALL! He was 100 % God and 100% human while here on this earth and yet was without sin. He has feelings just like you and I.
Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
Hebrews 2:17-18 NLT
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
Hebrews 4:15 NLT
Jesus had to come to grips at the last supper with his disciples because he had to go to the cross and give his life as a ransom for us. He was and is the ultimate sacrifice.
I believe Jesus’ greatest test while here on earth was in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was here where self denial and ultimate surrender and victory came, knowing he had to die and suffer on the cross, because this was God the Father’s mission for him. In other words He was ‘born to die’ This was and is the ULTIMATE PRICE of surrender. When we die to self and to our selfish ways then God sees our heart and says, “I love you unconditionally and just as you are”!
“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood”.
Luke 22:42-44 NLT
Jesus found victory in the garden before the cross. This was His place of surrender and He knew the price of surrender was to die on the cross and suffer for humanity and their sins. Ultimately, Jesus had peace in His surrender to God the Father knowing that eternity was at stake.
Like the old song says,”Jesus ‘Paid it ALL’, all to Him I owe, sin has left a crimson stain and He washes white as snow”
I know you’re probably saying this Andy is a ‘Jesus freak’ or some religious fanatic. No I’m just excited Jesus gave me an opportunity to be forgiven in a personal relationship with God (Not religion)! God has opened the way for whosoever this also means you, your family, your neighbor, etc. to make a way to be in right standing with Him.
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:19-22 NIV
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.
Romans 5:8-9 NLT
Perhaps you have tried many things, but nothing seems to work out for you. As you let go and surrender your heart to Christ, you will find ultimate peace in your heart and life. Life can be difficult, but you have the Lord on your side to get you through. God loves you and cares for you, so come as you are, it doesn’t matter what you’ve done. Come to Christ confess your sins to Him, and you will experience unconditional love, forgiveness, and freedom.
A person will sacrifice and die for their king of a nation. But the King of the Jews sacrificed and died for the entire world.
Jesus Paid it ALL- ALL to Him I Owe. He Paid a Debt, He did not Owe. I Owed a debt (my sins) I could not pay.
The Watering Hole Journey 