Scripture: Genesis 4:1-16
Dear Church,
Along with disciples across the world and generations, we set aside the next forty days before Easter as a season of repentance, spiritual growth and sacrifice.
Sacrifice?
As modern Christians, we are very comfortable thinking about Jesus making a sacrifice for us on the cross. But most of us feel that it is no longer appropriate or necessary for believers to make sacrifices for God. Surely, we protest, we’ve moved far beyond the kind of primitive worship that involves sacrifice. We are saved by grace, not works…and certainly not sacrifices.
But that’s a curious attitude to have considering that Jesus told would-be disciples, “If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” I don’t know how much clearer he could have made it. Those who are unwilling to deny themselves–to sacrifice–will be unable to follow.
This Lent, we’ll be exploring what a healthy and holy practice of sacrifice looks like. What does God ask of us? We can all tell stories about Christians who have been manipulated and abused in the name of sacrifice, but what does a good sacrifice look like? What kinds of gifts and sacrifices actually please the Lord?
Because, as we learn in the very first story of sacrificial worship, not all of our offerings do please God.
What will our response be if we discover, like our older brother Cain, that what we are willing to offer isn’t acceptable in God’s sight?
Peace,
Pastor Kate
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