On March 25, 2916 the Christian world commemorated the Crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. It was a day to remember and thank god for the sacrifice of Jesus. Leading worship in which we reflected on the seven statements Jesus made while on the cross. I concluded with the words “Father, into your hands and commend my spirit”. While nearing the end of my reflection I recalled a wooden cross in the chancel and the Holy Spirit led me to invite worshippers, while we sang the hymn: “When I survey the wondrous cross” to come and stand at the cross and make or renew their commitment to God through Christ.
The worshippers responded and soon I discovered that some persons, included elderly persons, were not standing but kneeling on the floor. Some could hardly go down and up but they were kneeling nevertheless. I was moved and sought a cushion to ease the pain of the knees on the tiles. I immediately went for the cushion at the Communion Rail. To my distress and disappointment the cushions were tied down.
On our way home my wife and I reflected on the amazingly inspiring scene and recognized that it was providential that the cushions were tied down. These persons were responding to the prompting of the spirit as they went and knelt on the tiles at the foot of the cross. On reflection we concluded that they recognized that Jesus made a great sacrifice for their sake and now they were willing to endure some pain and discomfort as they surrendered themselves to Jesus. We concluded that had I placed the cushion there it would have negatively impacted the significance for some persons.
I have no doubt that you would join me in celebrating the great advancements in science and technology and the comforts we now enjoy as human beings. It’s comfortable driving an automatic air conditioned vehicle; sit on a padded pew or chair in church; sleep on a mattress that is not bumpy, wiry and uneven but smooth and firm; having to iron clothes with a flat iron that has to be heated in the wood fire or coal pot.
So, sacrifice? What is that? What is surrendering of something that is desirable and of great value for the sake of something considered possessing a higher or more pressing claim? Although “sacrifice” is a teaching common to all religions many Christians in our generation shun the very word “sacrifice”.
Could it be that the unwillingness to make sacrifices is at the root of some of our problems in the church and the world? Clergy and laity are expecting and demanding more and more comfort. With rapped attention I listened to a clergy sharing the blessings of travelling in taxis and on public transport; having conversations with strangers; having close encounter with farmers, children, market people and civil servants and I realized that I have been missing something. I wonder if our modern convinces can become obstacles to commitment and growth as a believer? Maybe what we need is a little more sacrifice.
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