Sacrifices

   Lent is a time of sacrifice.  We sacrifice to remind us of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.  To forgive our sins He became man, lived, suffered and died.  The cost of sin is death and He paid that price.  A perfect sacrifice, an unblemished lamb, was required to pay for our sins.  Since we are far from perfect, God Himself became one of us so that He could offer the necessary sacrifice.

   As lent progresses there will be many promises of sacrifice made and many broken.  Some will offer more than they are capable of and will fail.  Some will offer far too little and will experience virtually no sacrifice at all.  Still others will ignore it completely.

   Regardless the sacrifice offered, it is important to follow through, to make the sacrifice.  Imagine if Jesus, having come to offer the perfect sacrifice, looked up at the cross and said “No”.  That’s the answer we give Him when we offer sacrifice to Him but fail to complete it.

   Offer what you will.  Hopefully it is something that is truly a sacrifice.  Stick to it.  When you weaken and consider giving up look upon Jesus on the cross.  Take strength from Him and His love for you.

Jesus You gave Your life for us.

We promise many things during Lent.

So many times we fail.

Give us strength.

Amen