Sacrifice

The runner is on second base. The batter bunts knowing he will be thrown out at first base. The runner advances to third. The sacrifice bunt works perfectly. The next batter swings hard knowing the outfielder will catch the ball. The runner scores. The sacrifice fly works perfectly as well. The team scores a run and takes the lead.

Sacrifice is forfeiting something highly valued for the sake of something or someone having a greater value or claim. Swiss writer, Henri Frederic Amiel, noted over a century ago: Sacrifice still exists everywhere, and everywhere the elect of each generation suffers for the salvation of the rest. He is right, of course. Pretty much anything of any value in life requires a sacrifice of one sort or another. Soldiers know this. Our freedom isn’t free for them. 

Last week was our Miracle Sunday to fund our new Ministry Center at 180th and Center Streets. Our goal was $75,000. To date we have received over $127,000. Many at The Water’s Edge made a sacrifice: forfeiting something of value (money) for something of greater value (the Gospel). I can think of dozens of times in the last five years I have been blessed beyond belief to serve as pastor at The Water’s Edge. One of those times is this week as I am inspired by your vision, generosity, and sacrifice. 

The next few months are going to be great. Older students and adults will sacrifice some free time in a few weeks for our children at Vacation Bible School. Dozens of students will sacrifice a week of their summer vacation (and many adults will sacrifice a week of vacation) to serve God and people in St. Louis, Missouri and Savannah, Georgia. Men and women will sacrifice some evenings and weekends to finish our Ministry Center. We will sacrifice a Sunday morning worship experience so that we can serve and love our community. Small group leaders will sacrifice some time and energy to be trained and equipped to lead as we re-launch small groups in a couple months with our 40 Days in the Word Campaign. 

A man came to live among humanity two thousand years ago. He knew a thing or two about sacrifice. In the grand scheme of things he valued our lives more than his life. He suffered, he was crucified, he died, and he was buried so that we may have a life of abundance in this world and an eternal life forever. “No greater love exists than to sacrifice one’s life for one’s friends.” –John 15:13 

He sacrificed his ego for our esteem; his comfort for our contentment; and his life so that we may experience God’s love. And given the opportunity—He’d do it again in a heartbeat. So many of you remind me of Him! 

The best is yet to come… 

Craig