What is sacrifice? It’s not popular, for sure! Webster defines it as “an act of offering to a deity something precious especially: the killing of a victim on an altar.” Old Testament sacrifice always involved the killing of an animal for the forgiveness of sin. With Jesus’ death on the cross, the debt for sin was paid once-and-for-all. A blood sacrifice was no longer required. However, we are still called to live sacrificially. If you are a parent, you sacrifice things you want and things you want to do for your children. Their needs, wants and wishes come before your own because love compels you to do everything within your power for their benefit. God did that for us when He sent Jesus to die for our sins. The greatest sacrifice that could be given, the life of His one and only Son. God wants us to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. When we love Him fully and completely, sacrifice is the natural outpouring of a heart filled with love, gratitude and worship.

Scriptures – 1 Chronicles 29:1, 3; 2 Corinthians 8:3, 7; John 3:16; Matthew 6:19-21, 16:18; 2 Samuel 24:24; Hebrews 12:28-29

Verses – But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (2 Co 8:7) But the king answered, “No, I will pay you for it. I will not offer to the Lord my God sacrifices that have cost me nothing.” (2 Sa 24:24)

Thought – The Bible tells us that David was a man after God’s own heart! What a great connection David had with God. Despite his stumbles and failures, his heart’s devotion was for God, his love never faltered. On one occasion God called David to build an altar at a specific place. He proceeded to the location to buy the land and obey God’s command. The owner of the land wanted to donate the land, the sacrifices that would be made there, everything; however, David would not even consider the offer. He states, “I will not offer to the Lord my God sacrifices that have cost me nothing.” Sacrifice is costly. It may cost you your time, your talents, your treasures, your comfort, your dreams, wishes, or desires. Near the end of David’s reign as he was preparing Solomon to take the throne, he planned for the building of God’s House, a Temple that would be the finest that could be built this side of Heaven. Solomon would oversee the construction, but David planned for it and provided the funding. He donated a huge amount of his own treasure to the building. It’s estimated that David personally gave the equivalent of 60 million dollars over 4000 years ago. David was compelled by love to do all that he could for the benefit of God’s house. It’s not about the least you can get by with and appear to be invested, it’s about the most you can do. When you love God completely, sacrifice comes naturally from a heart that’s overflowing with love and gratitude. Sacrifice is the only option.

Questions – For what or whom have you made sacrifices throughout your life? What have you sacrificed for God? Discuss sacrifice in light of your time, talent and treasure. What has your sacrifice cost you? Sacrifice is the ultimate expression of love. Does that make it easy? Explain. How has God blessed your sacrifice?

Response – Thank God for the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. Consider your sacrifice for God. If there are areas where you have been holding back regarding your time, talents and treasures, give it to God. Ask Him for guidance and strength to live a life that’s pleasing to Him, a life that’s lived sacrificially.

Prayer – Dear God, all that I am and all that I have belong to you. You deserve nothing less that my best, my all! Allow me to live with my heart and hands open to sacrifice and serve You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.