by Victoria Heinecke

Our lives as a living sacrifice to God.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:1-2 English Standard Version

In a few weeks, spring will be here, and for many of us, it means hearing the sounds of baseball. The crack of a bat as it hits the ball, the hum of fans discussing the finer points of the game, and the man yelling “Getchur ice cold beer” bring a sense of nostalgia for a sport that I’ve enjoyed since my childhood.

Baseball is the only major sport with a play called a “sacrifice.” A sacrifice fly is when a player hits the ball and is called “out,” but his teammate safely advances towards home. He sacrifices his play (and his statistics) so that the entire team has a better chance of winning.

He diminishes his importance for the greater good of the team.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John 3:30 English Standard Version

John the Baptist knew that he was not the Messiah, but was sent by God to prepare the hearts of Israel for Christ’s coming. He gave of himself so others would know Jesus was the Messiah, promised by God.

Sometimes the word “sacrifice” can imply that we must deny ourselves for something greater, and during Lent we see many examples of self-denial as a preparation for Easter.

However, a sacrifice can also mean giving of ourselves so that others can see Jesus more clearly. It means becoming subservient to God’s plan so that he may be glorified, as Christ did when he took the cross. It means walking the walk: loving God with all your heart, your soul, and your mind, and loving your neighbor as yourself.

Dear Lord, help me decrease so that others may see you more. Open the eyes of the unbeliever and the seeker, so that the lost may be found by you. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Colorado Springs, Colorado