Congregational Corner: Take On A Life of Sacrifice
By Rev. Jordan B. Davis (M.Div.‘14)
Congregational Corner
Every year, I watch the posts fly about what individuals are “giving up” for Lent. The crash diets and motivation to finally clean out the closets are worthy of being posted on social media, but I question if they really challenge us to understand the meaning of Lent and the sacrifice which we remember during Holy Week. As I pondered how I would approach this Lenten season, I decided that I wanted to turn things around in my own life and rather than give something up or give something away, I will take something on, just as Christ took on the sins of the world in his own death.
Over the next several weeks, I will strive to “take on” one new thing each week, in turn striving to take on more of the love and grace which Christ exhibited throughout his life, death, and resurrection. I hope that you will join me and share your own experiences!
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[a]covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Matthew 26: 26-29 (NIV)
In these final moments of Christ’s life, I can’t help but find my focus falling on this ultimate sacrifice, a sacrifice we have been preparing for through so many other sacrifices. Christ sacrificed his family for his ministry, leaving the comfort and protection of the home in which he was raised by Mary and Joseph. Christ sacrificed his time to learn the Jewish traditions and to study the Torah so that he might one day go from home to home, town to town, teaching God’s Word. Christ sacrificed his relationships and friendships, even to the point of both letting go and forgiving the friend who would betray him, handing him over to his arrest and death.
Christ sacrificed his life.
Sacrifice is a holy word and a holy action, an offering to God. A sacrificial action is not something to be taken lightly or done frivolously. It is not lost on me that Christ’s life, while fully human, is so incredibly unique from our own experiences because of his ongoing sacrifice, his ongoing offering of himself to God and to the people.
As we gather around the table for that holy meal, as we stand among the crowds calling for his death, as we kneel at the foot of the cross and weep with Mary – what sacrifice are we willing to take on? What are we offering to God in these final moments, what will carry us into the next?
I hand you my life, Lord.
My joys and my fears,
my passions and my losses,
my awe struck, breathless moments
and my silent, gasping heartbreak.
I hand you my life, Lord.
Every action in praise of your name,
every questioning lament.
The control of my deepest desires,
the dedication of my every effort.
You have been present in all things,
I know you will continue to carry me,
to walk with me,
to follow me,
to lead me.
You will not leave me alone,
You will not desert me in the dark.
You have given your life for me,
you have called me beloved.
You have promised to me
that I am yours.
I now give my life to you.
I give my heart to you.
I put my trust in you.
I rest my wearied soul in you.
Amen.
Alumna Jordan B. Davis is associate pastor for youth and young adults at Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church in Cary, North Carolina, and editor of Congregational Corner.
Photo by yugdas manandhar from Pexels
