Sunday, 3^rd November, 2024

By Alex Buabeng-Korsah

THEME: SACRIFICE

Theme Scripture: Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth by itself alone; but if it die, it beareth much fruit. John 12:24 ASV

 

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. What is the value of sacrifice to the Christian life?

John Abedi had lived a life he regrets. He has been a carefree person who refused to make sacrifices for the things he valued. Hence, John couldn't make progress with his life. When he had the opportunity to sit for a scholarship exam to secure financial aid for his tertiary education, John abandoned it midway. Realizing the amount of preparation time required to pass this exam, John changed course. Though brilliant yet he was not able to complete his tertiary education.

Similarly, our walk in this life, and more particularly the Christian journey will yield no results, and make no impact without sacrifice.

 

Our theme scripture points out clearly, without sacrifice (or death) we remain the same as the years go by. However, when we die (or make the sacrifice or the required investment), we bear much fruits (become better or guarantees improved impact).

 

The Jews were planning secretly to kill Jesus. During the same period, some Greeks had come to Jerusalem to worship. They had heard of Jesus--His wisdom, His miracles, His message. Greek philosophy and literature were blooming. The Greeks were interested in hearing Him, not as their Savior but as a philosopher. That is not bad compared to His own people who have rejected Him and go about to kill Him. Will He [Jesus] go to the Greeks, where He will be accepted as a philosopher and live fully or still continue with the Jews where His life will be cut short and be the Savior of the world?

 

 Beloved, will you go where you are celebrated or where you are opposed? Jesus, finding Himself in this valley of decision exclaimed, "Truly truly, except a grain of wheat falls down and die, it will remain a single seed. It is only when it dies that germination becomes possible and much fruits become a reality."

 

Paul, the apostle, admonished the church in Rome to "...make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship." Romans 12:1 AMPC Thus, without sacrifice, holy living and a consecrated life to God will be elusive.

 

Precious one, make a decision to commit to all the sacrifices required for an improved impact in your life and around you. The soul that dares to live this way will find streams flowing from every smitten rock, honey in the carcass of every slain lion, day out of every night, spring out of winter, flowers out of frost, joy out of sorrow, fruitfulness out of pruning, life out of death and Mount Olivet out of Gethsemane. The greatness of a man is in the course he lives for, and the price he is willing to pay.

 God bless you more.

 

FURTHER READING - Romans 1:1-2

 

 Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD

1. Which one is true about you—being told the hard truth or leaning towards people who make you comfortable?
2. Have you experienced crisis before, and what did you learn about God’s power and grace?

 

PRAYER:

Precious Father, thank you for the sacrifice you made to give out your beloved Son so I could be saved. I receive strength and courage to make godly sacrifices in this Christian journey. I affirm that I am not alone in my walk in this life. So, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Hallelujah!

 

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Chronicles 32; Daniel 12; Acts 13