THE GREAT SACRIFICE

Because I live, you will live also.(John 14:19)
Dear friend! It is the desire of the Lord that every one should be saved. In this evil world every person is born in sin. This is what the Psalmist says, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5).Many years ago, a Sister went to an African country as a missionary. There she visited a village and saw people shouting and dancing in great joy. She asked the village head, “What is happening here? Why is everybody so happy? He answered, “Madam, every year we offer a sacrifice to the gods to purge our sins. We are preparing to offer that sacrifice now. We are happy that our sins will be removed.” The Sister asked him in curiosity, “What is the sacrifice will you offer to wipe away your sins?” The village head pointed to a beautiful girl standing in a house and said “She will be the sacrifice!” He further added, “Every year we will offer the most beautiful virgin as sacrifice and this year we have chosen her.” The heart of the missionary was broken to pieces when she heard those words. She asked him, “Does the girl know of this?” She was taken aback when the girl said, “I am proud that I have been chosen to be a sacrifice!” The missionary watched in horror as the tribal priest hurled the girl into the burning fire. The girl screamed pitiably, “Please save me! Pull me out of the fire!” But nobody went and saved her. They were making merry of themselves. Alas! The girl died pitiably. The missionary could not bear this and greatly wept. She was grieved that the girl was made a sacrifice when the Lord had paid the price for our sins. She remembered as how Jesus Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. He was numbered with the transgressors. He bore our sins on the cross and poured out His soul for us on the cross (Isaiah 53:12). The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sins. ( 1 John 1:7). Dear friend, the Lord desires our souls to live forever. He says, “Because I live, you will live also” (John 14:19). The blood of Jesus Christ alone can purge our sins. So let us humble ourselves before Him and ask Him to cleanse us with His blood to live a sinless life in this world. Prayer:Loving Lord Jesus,I thank You that You have paid the price for my sins on the cross. Lord, at this time I plead for Your mercy. Forgive my sins and cleanse me with Your precious blood. Only You can make me live a holy life on this earth. I thank You for all the blessings that I have in You. I give You all glory, praise and honour.Amen.