Sacrifice

Week 44, Weekend

Dorothy Patterson

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Psalm 149:4

The woman who is conscious of spiritual poverty is aware of her limitations. She does not have the character of the Pharisee, who felt no spiritual need. Rather she identifies with the publican, who in spiritual poverty confessed himself to be a sinner (see Luke 18:9-14). She not only recognizes her own spiritual shortcomings, but she also desires to be better though she has nothing with which to meet that need. This condition alone is necessary to enter the kingdom (see Matthew 5:3), and it is within the reach of everyone who is willing to accept God’s grace as a free gift.

Remember the Syro-Phoenician woman, who did not receive the answer to her desperate petition until she became poor in spirit. This pagan woman made her request irresistible to God when she acknowledged Jesus as the rightful King (“Son of David,” see Matthew 15:22), accepted Him as her King (“Lord,” see Matthew 15:25), and then humbly asked for His help (“Lord, help me,” see Matthew 15:25). She realized her own helplessness and would not turn from seeking the Lord and relying upon Him.

Any who turn without pretense to God through the person and ministry of Jesus Christ are “blessed.” This entry to the kingdom is clearly by grace, not works. Only those who are “poor in spirit,” without personal merit to offer, can enter the kingdom. To become poor in spirit, look at God! Make Christ the motivation and end for all you do. C. S. Lewis said, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”[i]

Sacrifices always suggest the giving up of something you value for the sake of something you want more. It is goal-oriented; it focuses on the bigger picture—not just the present moment but what is yet to come or what is beyond your personal comfort. Humility demands sacrifice. Its pursuit does not present public and tangible rewards. Humility should be like underwear—you cannot leave home without it, but you do not want it to show!

Lord, thank You for Your ultimate sacrifice—Your death on the cross! Give me the strength to make daily sacrifices for those I love. Amen.

[i] C. S. Lewis, “Is Theology Poetry?” in The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (New York: HarperCollins, 1980), 140.