Gratitude Day 608

Luke 19:40 – Jesus responded, “Listen to me. If my followers were silenced, the very stones would break forth with praises!”

When it comes to sacrifice scale of 1 to 10, 10 being “easy to sacrifice” and 1 being “are you serious?”, where to do you fall?

For most people, the answer is, “It depends.”

It depends on what is being asked to sacrifice. What level of giving up you are being asked to do. And probably a whole bunch of other things.

Most parents say they are willing to sacrifice nearly anything for their child. We often make sacrifices for work or family or friends. But when push comes to shove, most times we shove away from any sacrifice that looks a bit difficult, challenging or going to require more than a hot minute of our time.

I’m the same way. “It depends” is my answer when it comes to sacrifice as well.

Today is Palm Sunday. We’re on the countdown of the last days of Jesus’ life. He began the last week of his life a very popular guy. Everyone wanted to be near him, lay down their coat for him, shout his name and try to touch his cloak.

Until. Until he called people out for things he didn’t like. And when he was a hare bit disruptive in the Temple Courts, the religious leaders decided they HAD. HAD. ENOUGH. It was time to get rid of this guy named Jesus who had just been a constant thorn in their back.

And within a few days, Jesus gave up everything. Yep. No questions asked. When it came time for Jesus to make a sacrifice, he didn’t say, “Well … it depends.”

He just did.

Now, I get it. It takes a super powerful and humble man with capabilities beyond ours to do this. That’s why God’s son is the one chosen for this … because the rest of us wouldn’t be able to.

I know understanding the reason why Jesus did this can be difficult and confusing. Best way I can explain it?

Simple. Unconditional love.

Now, there’s really nothing we can fully do to cover this huge sacrifice Jesus made for us. But maybe there’s a little something we can do to show a little appreciation and love back.

Think of it this way. Your dear friend goes way out of their way for you. Seriously out of their way. You want to acknowledge them in some small way.

Now, put Jesus in place of your dear friend. He’s gone way out of his way for you. What can you do to show him the love?

It might be difficult to send a bouquet of flowers or an Easter lily. Pizza delivery isn’t going to work very well. His car doesn’t need an oil change nor does he need the newest and latest cell phone.

What can you do?

Simple. Do something for Jesus from the bottom of your heart. You pick. You do you. You choose something that is meaningful and important and at least somewhat of a sacrifice. And make this choice in honor of Jesus.

It this required? No. Jesus’ grace is free. Unconditional. Always there. But maybe a bit of appreciation would be OK?

Give it up for today. This week. You choose the sacrifice and the length of time. Just let Jesus know it’s for a good cause. And he’s the cause.

For Jesus’ sacrifice for me, I am grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Holy God – On that first Palm Sunday, it seemed like everyone was so excited for Passover week! And they seemed so excited to see You and be with You. Oh, how quickly things changed. But You didn’t change. You went ahead with Your plan. I pray that some small sacrifice that I make this week will keep me rooted in remembering Your sacrifice. I thank you for this sacrifice. Today and every day. Amen.

Stop by diannedeatonvielhuber on Instagram today for a few more thoughts about today’s Lenten topic.

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