Australia’s Largest Christian News Site

Intention

We are called to sacrifice. It is part of our normal Christian life. It is not always a popular sermon topic but is nevertheless important to the Lord.

Scripture

“… looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

Reflection

The question of why we sacrifice confronts Christians as we go forward with the Lord. It is often difficult to see why sacrifice is needed, or even the benefit of the sacrifices we make.

We see the example Jesus set in Hebrews 12:2, which explains why He suffered and died for us. This is the most awesome example of the pure sacrifice of an innocent, pure, and holy person.

In a similar, albeit earthly, vein, the Be’er Sheva war graves memorial, in Israel, represents the sacrifices made in WWI for what would become Israel.

We see what Jesus did, but what happens when we sacrifice, and why do we need to sacrifice? Although we are not perfect in and of ourselves, we do often willingly sacrifice. There are many expressions of sacrifice in the Christian walk – some much more consequential than others.

Here are some examples:

• Giving of time and finances (e.g., volunteering and serving our local community)
• Serving in difficult situations (Doctors and Nurses come to mind, especially those on the mission field)
• Putting your life at risk for others, even unto death (I know persecuted Christians in several countries who follow the Lord faithfully)
• Speaking the truth when people hate and revile you (cancel culture etc.)
• Prayer and Fasting

Why do we do these things?

We sacrifice because of the Love of God. 1 John 4:19 says ‘We love Him because He first loved us.’ Also, John 15:13 states that ‘Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.’ It is clear the Love of God drives us to love without measure, and love sometimes requires sacrifice.

Here is the account of a sixteen-year-old Christian – Harold Wickham (Bell) — who gave his life for his mates and for Israel. Harold was a young farmer who attended a Presbyterian Church.

As he was charging on Be’er Sheva, Harold could see little orange flashes and could hear whistling overhead. “I wonder what that is?” Harry thought.

His answer came all too soon as a machine gun round smashed into his leg. He never thought such pain existed — the force of the round threw him from the horse. He bounced along the ground and came to a halt in the dirty, broken soil. The sound of thundering hooves warned him to cover his head as another wave of horsemen galloped over him.

He glanced down at his leg; it lay at a grotesque angle, the result of the bullet shattering his femur.

Then things started to blur as he succumbed to the pain, which lapsed him into unconsciousness.

As he struggled to regain consciousness, Harold felt the warmth of morphine, interrupted intermittently by the sharpness of excruciating pain.

As the padre sat next to him, Harry asked how the regiment had fared. “We took the town, Harry, and the blokes and horses are enjoying a good drink,” was the response.

Harry lapsed in and out of consciousness throughout the night. In the morning he was still alive but only just. The padre again called on him.

“Make sure they get the headstone right,” Harry screamed. And, with that, the young trooper went limp.

Harry (Harold Bell) wanted his real name on his tombstone, and so it is.

Exactly 100 years later (to the day: 31/10/2017), we observed the fruit of Harry’s and others’ sacrifice in the Be’er Sheva street parade held after the 100-year memorial service. The event was an amazing demonstration of the fruit of sacrifice as Harry and others’ sacrifices eventually led to the restoration of Israel in 1948.

You can read more about the Australian Light Horse Charge here.

We are called to sacrifice. It is part of our normal Christian life. Sacrifice is not always a popular sermon topic but is very important to the Lord.

During this month of May, we are praying and fasting for the federal elections and the GO Movement to support the proclamation of Jesus in this region and the nations.

Video

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Let my life be a living sacrifice to You. Take me, make me, mould me and use me for You Kingdom purposes. Let me be salt and light to a sick and dying world. Amen.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Amen.

Author Bio

Kym and his wife, Nel, are active in local, national, and global ministries and have ministered in various nations including Kenya, Uganda, and Israel. Kym is also a Board Member of Rahab Ministries, an outreach to people within the sex industry and an executive member of Australia Prays. Kym is passionate about unity in the ekklesia (the church) so that the gospel of the kingdom can be preached. Kym’s prophetic ministry site is at Ruach haKodesh, where you can connect with both Kym and Nel.

21 Days Prayer Points

1. Pray that God would rule over this election, that righteous leaders would be elected to govern this nation in truth and justice because, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” Proverbs 29:2
2. Pray God’s blessing upon all our current parliamentarians and leaders, including their families and all the candidates of all the parties standing for this federal election. 1 Timothy 2:1-3
3. Pray for a multiplication of prayer and unity across the Body of Christ in Australia, that people will wake up to the dangers facing our nation and respond in prayer. Ephesians 5:14
4. Pray for a Revival for Australia, Spiritual Awakening and Transformation for our nation, and the proclamation of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. John 3:16

We invite you to support this Prayer & Fasting campaign to raise up prayer for the 2022 Federal Election. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us spread the word and make a stand for Family, Faith, Freedom and Life.

[Donate Here]

Join us for our daily one-hour Zoom prayer call:

• DATES: Every night for the month of May
• TIME: 8PM AEST
• ZOOM URL
• ZOOM MEETING ID: 776881184
• ZOOM TUTORIAL

Daily devotions brought to you by the Canberra Declaration.