Sacrifice

Thank-you for the Cross

Last week I watched the movie called "The Whistleblower" which sparked thoughts on sacrifice and what it really means to fight for something you believe in. I also drew parallels to the story of Jesus and the great sacrifice He made that we could live. How does this movie and the Cross share things in common? Well... let me explain;

In the movie The Whistleblower the main character Kathryn a police officer from the States is transfered to Bosnia to work with the UN. While she is there she uncovers a hideous human trafficking scandal involving members of the UN task forces; the very people who are there to protect and serve the people are exploiting and abusing these women in the worst possible way. The story then follows her journey in pursuing justice and putting and end to this horrific scandal. Of course one would think that she could simply tell her boss or someone high up in UN office what is happening and they would put a stop to it, end of story, this however is not the case. As she tries to put an end to this atrocity she finds her herself endangering not only her own life, but the lives of those she is trying to save. She ultimately has to sacrifice her career and safety for the pursuit of justice.

With Easter celebrations in full swing and chocolate eggs and fluffy chickens and bunnies fill the stores it is now when those who are Christians reflect on the significance and sacrifice of this time. It is Easter weekend that we remember the Cross on which our Saviour Jesus was nailed upon, bearing the sin and shame of the world. However it is also a time of much celebration as we know that Jesus rose again on the third day and through this He defeated death and restored relationship between God and mankind. But it came at a price, at such a great cost, where Jesus endured betrayal, beating and bruising beyond recognition, pain and rejection. But. He did it. He was willing to sacrifice Himself at the greatest level because He was passionate about us. He said "not my will, but Your will be done".

Standing up for things we are passionate about does not come with ease. Seeking to make a difference for the better in this world requires sacrifice, seeing God's Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven requires courage and passion. The word passion comes from the Latin passio, which implied suffering and the endurance of hardship. Just like Kathryn in the movie, had to endure hardship to seek justice for these women being trafficked, and just like Jesus, who had to endure hardship that we could have eternal life and relationship with God, so must we be willing to endure hardship to see the passions and dreams God has placed on our hearts come to fruition, to bring about the much needed change our world so-desperately needs...

So while shops promote Easter as some fluffy, indulgent holiday may we know and hold in great regard and ever be challenged by the sacrifice that was made over 2000 years ago by Jesus Christ.

Happy Easter...