The CROSS on which Jesus Christ was nailed is the place of divine sacrifice. But what does the word ‘sacrifice’ mean? Many sadly use the word ‘sacrifice’ flippantly, without a true understanding of its meaning or what it demands.
To give up, let go, loss, and denial are some of the other words that are used to define the word sacrifice. Jesus had to give up or let go of his divinity for humanity (Philippians 2:6-7). He had to lose His life on the Cross so that He could gain eternal life for all who believe in Him (John 3:16). He had to deny the pleasures of heaven so that he could have communion with you and me, whom he deemed the treasures of the earth He created (Exodus 19:5; 1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 1:17). God had to deny (forsake) His Only begotten Son (Matthew 27:46) so that He would not be forced (due to His Just Holiness) to deny you and me, for sin (Belial) can have no communion with Holiness (Christ) (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).
Let us cross examine ourselves and give up and let go of the things that brings displeasure to God. Let us give up and let go of our humanity so that we can live as royalty; sons and daughters of the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Peter 2:9). Let us lose our lives so that we can save it (Luke 17:33). Let us deny the pleasures of this earth so that we can have communion with Jesus, who is the hidden treasure in us; jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7). Let us lay our life as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2) at the foot of His Cross, the place of sacrifice.
Luke 17:33 (KJV)
33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
