“It makes no sense”, I think as I head out at 5 am for a long training run. “Why can’t I just stay fit?” I don’t want to do this run. But, if I want to have any chance at finishing my upcoming marathon, I have to put in the effort. Sacrifice is key to life – giving up something now to get something of greater value later. It may be giving up sleep to get fit or, giving up socialising to study for a degree or giving up watching sports to build relationships. But why must it be like this? It’s because, in the beginning, God said our blessing would be linked to being “fruitful and multiplying”. And the only way this is fulfilled is in community. And the only way community flourishes is when we sacrifice, not just for ourselves, but for each other. It’s the great lesson of love. It’s the key to joy. It’s the example of Jesus. It’s why when all is done, Jesus in the final picture is described as “the Lamb slain” – sacrifice. “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12). It begins and ends with sacrifice. Open Bible – http://bit.ly/Rev5v12
