SCRIPTURE: NEHEMIAH 4:14
“And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people. ‘Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.’”
OBSERVATION:
In life you can do a lot of things for yourself, but the most meaningful things done in life are for others. When you think about the word sacrifice, it immediately brings to mind other people. Sure, you could sacrifice to make your own life better, but how much more would you sacrifice if you saw a difference made in other people? Sacrifice is most powerful and most rewarding when it is done for the benefit of others.
Nehemiah, as a leader, believed the same thing. He told the people why they were fighting and sacrificing. It was for their brothers, sons, daughters, wives and the other people around them. The sacrifice they made was to make everyone’s life better, including their own. When we take our eyes off of ourselves and sacrifice for others, our lives get better too. Jesus modeled this servant leader attitude on the cross for us. He did not come to earth for us to sacrifice for Him; He came that He might sacrifice for us. Remember today why you make sacrifices. It is for the people who we are yet to reach. We have many reasons to sacrifice – so others can meet Jesus.
APPLICATION:
Today, remind yourself for whom your are sacrificing – the next generation and for those who need to meet Jesus. Take time to pray for Cross Kids and for the lost people in this world. Ask for Jesus to remind you again what this faith journey is all about. It is about people.
PRAYER:
“Jesus, today I thank you for allowing me to be a part of a church that believes in the next generation. Thank you that we sacrifice to reach more people and to make a difference through missions around the world. Please help me to always remember why I sacrifice. Help my love for people to continue to grow. I love you, Lord.”