To sacrifice means to give up something valuable for the sake of something else. Today we pause to reflect on the greatest sacrifice of all … Jesus Christ giving up his life on a Roman cross…for our sake.
The atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross opened the gates of Heaven to all who believe and accept Him as their Savior. None of what we do here would make any sense without that event. We’ll talk about it today.
It's appropriate during this Easter season to reflect on the big picture of our Christian faith. Sometimes we just have our noses to the grindstone, so to speak, and we can lose sight of why we’re here and how much God has done for us!
You know, whether you’re in a season of prosperity, or facing hardships, you have to remember that God is still on the throne and that your circumstances haven’t caught Him by surprise. His plan for the redemption of humankind is still on track.
The Significance of Jesus’ Sacrifice
Of course, on Easter Sunday, Christians everywhere will rejoice in the resurrection of Christ…who conquered death and made a way to restore our relationship with God. But sometimes in that celebration … we might forget why Jesus had to die in the first place.
The fact is, humankind is completely corrupted by sin. The rebellion that stains our hearts says, “I can choose for myself what is right and wrong, I don’t need God.” God’s Word confirms our sin nature.
Job 15:16 declares that man is "abominable and corrupt," one who "drinks injustice like water". 1 Kings 8:46 quotes Solomon saying, "there is no one who does not sin". The apostle John warns in 1 John 1:8 that "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves".
God’s Word in both the Old and New Testaments makes it very clear that sin has a price. God’s Law requires that those who break it be punished and that the punishment should be terrifying … an eternity in Hell.
Hebrews 9:22 says, “... without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” And Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Sin separates us from a holy God, so mankind needed someone sinless to do what we couldn’t do for ourselves – pay the price, which is death.
In his love and mercy, God met our need by sending his only son to die in our place. Jesus, who is God made Man— took our sins upon Himself and carried them to the cross. His blood paid for our sins.
The good news in this familiar story is that it doesn’t end with a cross and a grave.
On Good Friday, we commemorate the love of God in sending His son to pay for our sin. We mourn with his followers who knelt at the foot of the cross in grief for their loss. And then there’s Easter. On Easter we celebrate the victory of the resurrection! Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death once and for all.
In John 11:25 Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
So, we thank God for our present circumstances – good or bad – and His continued provision. But we must also have a deep sense of gratitude for God’s sacrificial love. We can also live in joyful hope of eternity because of His resurrection. Thanks to Jesus, our debt is stamped “paid in full,” and our relationship with the Lord is restored forever.
As you contemplate the amazing love of God today, ask yourself this: how can you put your gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice into action?
I believe one of the best ways is by keeping your eyes and ears open for opportunities to help those around you who may be suffering. Ask God to show you those in your church and the wider community who might need your help.
God’s Word repeatedly tells us to help others in need. Look at Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
It can be difficult to be generous when your finances seem uncertain, but we know that giving breaks the power of money over us, so it’s the perfect antidote for our financial fears and anxieties.
Giving is also a source of joy, because of the promise of heaven. Jesus experienced joy in his sacrifice, and we can experience it in ours. Hebrews 12:2 says, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Christians should act differently than non-believers … and now is the perfect time to show just how different we can be … as we reflect God’s love in a broken and confused world. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
So, with gratitude, joy, and generosity … that’s how we should respond during this Easter season and beyond.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
I have several investment properties in Florida but since the rates are so high right now, I haven’t been able to invest in others at the moment. Currently, I have money in high-yield savings accounts but are there any other investment vehicles you recommend while we wait for rates to go down?
I heard about this program recently that allows you to consolidate debt while paying 0% interest. I’m 70-years-old and have about $25,000 in debt and would like to find out more information about how to get started.
I’ve been working at a company for 4 years now and have been investing about $300 a month into their stock program. However, recently they split their stocks 3 to 1 so I’m wondering if I should invest more or wait to see what the market does.
I’ve been looking at the faith-based alternatives in investing and from my research, it seems like a lot of them are on the more expensive side in terms of fees, sales charge, and expense ratios. I also notice that some aren’t as diversified as some products that are offered by companies like Charles Schwab or Vanguard. I’d love to get your perspective on this.
I left an employer about 5 years ago and had a pension left in there and right now I have an IRA. Recently, my wife and I have been talking about whether we should pull the pension and put it in the IRA to earn more money or to cash it out and pay off some debts. Thoughts?
I made some poor financial decisions when I was young and would suggest that if anyone is making major financial decisions to always seek wise counsel as it couldn’t hurt to have wise people involved in your decision-making.
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.
