Thursday, July 9, 2009 5:50 PM CDT
Clergy Views: Many times our sacrifices benefit others
DR. JOHN CALIO, PASTOR
First Southern Baptist Church, Mattoon
Our church was in Mattoon’s 4th of July parade. We have seen sunnier parade days, but really the rain didn’t come down that hard, until the parade ended.
However, I felt like those in the entire parade made sacrifices to be a part of it, and those who came to see it made sacrifices.
Those people actively involved in the parade needed to sacrifice some of their personal time and effort to make sure everything was accomplished, and on time.
It may seem like a simple effort to pull off a parade, but like most things, there is a great deal of effort involved in making sure things go smoothly. It is usually the things people don’t see or know about that are required to accomplish this task.
Additionally, few people are aware of all the changes that take place, and sometimes at the last minute. Now considering all that needs to be accomplished to pull off a parade, it could all come to not, if the weather is contrary. This is just one more sacrifice people have to deal with.
Not only do I appreciate the people who give of their time and effort to put the parade together, I am so thankful for the people who came out to see the parade. As we were going through the parade, I felt compelled to thank the people there for even coming out on a less than perfect day for a parade.
These folks could have very easily decided that staying inside was best. I am glad they came out to the parade. It would have been rather lonely, being in the parade, without anyone to come enjoy it. I feel like the people who came out for it also made a sacrifice.
Life often involves sacrifices. Our military men and women are making sacrifices at this very moment. We don’t know many of those sacrifices, but we all know they are sacrificing. The American people will benefit from their sacrifices. I hope and pray that the Lord blesses our military with special blessings for the sacrifices they are making.
Many of you know that there is the most special sacrifice that God made in Christ for humanity. Many of you know that Jesus sacrificed His life on a cross for the payment of sin.
Therefore, when people repent of their sin and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, they can be confident that the payment for sin, required by God, has been paid.
People can be confident, when they repent of their sin and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they are heaven-bound. This required a sacrifice. Jesus was that sacrifice.
You know we all make sacrifices. Many times our sacrifices benefit other people. This is what Jesus did for humanity.
God’s Holy Word says in Hebrews 9:28 (NIV): so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.
Thank you all for the sacrifices you make, especially to the glory and honor of Jesus Christ.
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jrhendren wrote on Jul 18, 2009 5:09 AM: