Read: John 10:14-18 and First Corinthians 11:23-26 (see also Jeremiah 31:3)
Sometimes while tending to my daily duties around the house, I listen to Christian radio. Whether music, teaching, or a talk show, there is always something to comfort, confirm, or challenge my walk in the Lord. About two weeks ago, I heard a story that was told by a pastor to preface his sermon. It went like this:
There was a blind young woman (we’ll call her Grace) who was at the age of romance. Unfortunately, because of her blindness, she had a difficult time both meeting and keeping interested suitors. One day, however, she met a very pleasant young man (we’ll call him Tim) who showed a genuine interest in her. A relationship developed and, as it progressed, Grace felt comfortable enough with him to begin sharing her despair over being blind. She told Tim that she knew she would be truly happy if she had the ability to see again. But the procedure was financially out of her reach, and there was also a shortage of donors. Tim listened intently at Grace’s longings and tried to reassure her. He began to verbally share his love for her and his desire to marry her. She agreed to marry Tim, but even the joy of an upcoming marriage did not silence her longing to have her sight restored.
One day, Tim called with wonderful news. He had arranged for her operation. What she had longed for was finally going to happen! The procedure was performed speedily and quite successfully. Soon the moment arrived for the bandages to be removed from Grace’s eyes. She got her first glimpse of Tim and gasped with horror. Tim was also blind! With sheer joy he asked her how it felt to be able to see. Recovering from her shock, Grace told him of her disappointment, and after much conversation told Tim that she could not marry him. Tim’s love for her was truly genuine, for he agreed to let her go to pursue her dreams without him. He began to leave the room then stopped to say one last thing to her. “Grace,” he said, “will you do something for me? Will you please take care of my eyes?”
As you read this story, did Tim’s sacrifice pierce your heart? Did it bother you that Grace, after receiving what she wanted, no longer found Tim or his love desirable? Jesus did much more for us than merely relinquish His sight. He gave His life. Would Tim have been so generous if he had known that his love would be rejected? But Jesus knew all too well what was in the heart of humanity. And still He gave His life. This was the ultimate sacrifice.
What is our response to His love? Are we self-focused, allowing His love to be overshadowed by our desires? Will we take His gifts and walk away to find another lover? Or will we love Him whether our desires are fulfilled or not? Habakkuk 3:17-18 states, “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls—yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
Communion is a time to remember Christ’s sacrifice. It is also the perfect time to renew our commitment to Him; laying aside our shallow, self-seeking desires and basking in His overwhelming love. May our hearts melt as we contemplate the immensity of His gift; a gift willingly given—a glorious sacrifice.
Prayer
Lord, Your love is hard to comprehend, and at times, harder to embrace. Yet, I am grateful for all that You have done for me. Touch my heart so that it may be like Yours—filled with sacrificial love and a willingness to give even though it may cost me everything. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
