April 21

Sweet Sacrifice

… sacrifice … like sweet perfume to him.

Ephesians 5:2b (NLT)

The greatest sacrifice of all time occurred when Jesus Christ agreed with God the Father’s plan and willingly went to the cross and died for our sins. While many find this cross repugnant, it became as sweet perfume to Him, not because of the agony or the gore, but because it was the ultimate expression of love.

Sacrifice is a wonderful manifestation of what is truly in the heart, and it strikes a chord with our Father. As His children, we are called to live lives of love and ultimately to offer our own sacrifices for Him, for others.

This weekend, I had the joy of meeting Michael and Coushatta—recent Hurricane Katrina evacuees from New Orleans. They shared their story with our church group, and we heard of the small sacrifices of the people of Bend: someone provided clothing, another, a place to stay, someone else gave a $400 gift card for work clothes and necessities. Someone even called their personal physician and had the doctor tend to a somewhat serious medical need.

These were small sacrifices, and for the most part, easily accomplished, and yet, hearing what people had done for Michael and Coushatta affected us in a powerful way. These were sweet sacrifices—spur of the moment, unheralded, free expressions of His love—the faint remembrances of a greater sacrifice.

Father, teach us to share. Give us the strength to sacrifice, and may You receive the glory. Amen.