A Small Sacrifice 10.30.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Luke, please read Chapters 21-22 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021-22&version=9

Today we will read about the widow's offering; Jesus' last Passover; the Lord's supper; Jesus praying in the garden; Jesus' arrest, and Peter denying that he knew Jesus. Today's message focuses on the importance of sacrifice. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to give us a great life. No matter how much we have we too need to sacrifice a little of our time, money, or possesions on those less fortunate than us.

Jesus and His disciples were in the Temple and while the disciples were admiring the beautiful stonework and the wealthy worshippers offering their gifts Jesus had been observing a poor widow. "And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had." (Luke 21:1-4)

If you did not realize it, God does pay attention to what we give, what we have, as well as what we do not give. This poor widow woman never thought that her tiny gift was of any worth, but her sacrifice to give something made her a wealthy woman in the eyes of God. The blessing of the Lord is upon the offering that expresses the heartfelt gratitude and self denial of the giver. To follow Christ faithfully, often Christians must give up self interests when we have an opportunity to serve the Lord by helping someone. It is by unselfish love, like that of Jesus, that the world has been redeemed.

The annual Passover meal was always a reminder to the Israelites that the blood of an innocent lamb made it possible for a sinner to be redeemed from death. Also, their

obedience to the Word of God made it possible for their ancestors to be
set free from Pharaoh and Egyptian slavery, in order to enjoy freedom in the promised land.

Jesus got ready for His last Passover meal here on earth. "Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover." (Luke 22:7-13).

As they sat at the table Jesus identified Himself with the sacrificial Passover Lamb. "And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you." (22:17-20).

Just as the sacrifical lamb made it possible for the Isrealites to enjoy freedom, the Lord's Supper made it possible for all of us to enjoy freedom from Satan's captivity. His death on the cross saved us from eternal death and set us free from the condemnation for all of our sins. Praise Jesus that each one of us no longer has to offer up a blood sacrifice to God in order to be saved! All we have to do is confess our sins and ask Him to forgive us. How awesome is that!


Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Jesus, Your great sacrifice redeemed and saved us. Because of that wondrous miracle of miracles we no longer have to face death with cringing fear, but in confident hope of the eternal life we will inherit. Thank You for Jesus, our anchor and our hope, that holds us steady in the daily challenges of this life. Keep us longing for that which is yet to come and keep us faithful until that joyous hour. In Your mighty name, Jesus......Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
God bless you,
Christina

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