Incredible Sacrifices

Incredible Sacrifices

God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. Hebrews 6:17-18

“I’m wondering if I can get along with just one kidney,” Steve said.

“Why are you asking?”

“My sister has renal failure, and she has to go on dialysis until she can get a kidney transplant. I’d like to give her one of mine. I’ve prayed about it, and I think it’s the right thing to do.”

Steve had obviously thought long and hard about this decision and had prayed for wisdom, but I warned him that donating a kidney is a serious and complex business.

“First we would need to see if you two are a match. If so, we can explore other questions, such as whether your current kidney function is healthy enough. We need to make sure you can live a long and healthy life with just one kidney.”

“Let’s do it!” Steve said.

The test results showed that Steve was a perfect match for his sister. In addition, his kidney function was healthy; he could make the donation without compromising his own health.

“I know you love your sister very much, and this is an admirable thing you’re doing, but you have to remember that this sacrifice of love is forever. There’s no turning back once you decide to move forward.”

“I’ve never been more certain about anything,” Steve said without hesitation. “I just want my sister to have her old life back.”

Giving a kidney to someone in need is a sacrificial act of love, but it pales in comparison to the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. He willingly gave up his life, not to preserve our old lives, but so that we could have new life in him.

TODAY’S RX

When we lovingly sacrifice for others, we do what Jesus first did for us.

Father, help me to give to others as you have given to me. Help me not to cling to worldly goods, but to share them with others in need. I desire to have a sacrificial spirit like yours.