The Glory Of Sacrifice

Do we think of sacrifice primarily as the giving up of something we shall miss very much, concentrating on our own self-deprivation and loss? Or can we see it rather as an offering to God of what is most precious to us - an offering that, as the Lord receives it into His hands and accepts it, is transformed into a glorious thing - into gain, not loss? How far are we to go in obedience? How much will it cost? If such questions frighten us, we are shortsighted. Let us look rather at Him whose face gave courage to Moses, who “was resolute, as one who saw the invisible God” (Heb. 11:27), or, as another translation has it, “he looked steadily at the ultimate, not the immediate, reward” (PHILLIPS). The offering is accepted, then turned into glory.

Perhaps today’s offering is the letting go of a long-cherished hope; the health we have always enjoyed and counted on to continue; some pleasure, legitimate and natural, which we gladly forgo for the sake of someone else. These may all be offerings which, when made with a loving and peaceful heart may turn into undreamed-of blessing. (157)

Copied from The Music Of His Promises by Elisabeth Elliot, copyright 2000. All rights reserved.