Radical Sacrifice

    There is no success without sacrifice. Every major accomplishment is preceded by someone’s sacrifice. Any success you have enjoyed took sacrifice to make it happen. It might not have been yours, but someone sacrificed for you to enjoy success. Seeing our radical objective come to fruition will take sacrifice. Are you willing? Is this objective from Jesus important enough to you to sacrifice for?
    We’ve already talked about the necessity of prayer, and most of us are praying like never before in our lives. Last week we talked about radical inviting: being so excited about God and His family that we invite everyone we know…even some we do not know. But for this to happen will also take sacrifice.
    Jesus has already made the greatest sacrifice for this to happen. I’m writing this on Maunday (meaning “covenant” as in the new covenant) Thursday, the evening of Jesus’ passover meal with his disciples, his time of deep prayer at the park where he was betrayed, and the night he was taken captive and led to trial which culminated with his crucifixion. Talk about a model of sacrifice.
    Sacrifice is good. It helps us sort out our priorities. By sacrificing, we give up something we like or want in order to gain something more important to us. That’s why we are willing to sacrifice for our children. What we are willing to sacrifice and what we sacrifice for says a lot about ourselves and who or what we value, even worship.
    And in making this radical objective a reality, God is calling us to sacrifice (as He always does). Some of us will be asked to sacrifice more than others, and all of us will need to listen to God and reevaluate our priorities when considering what sacrifices we are willing to make. But let me ask you all to consider some things.
    First, if you haven’t noticed, the parking lot and spaces on the street near the church are full every week. We’ve actually had people drive around looking for a place to park and then leave. One first time guest told us she drove around the block a couple of times and just when she was going to head home, a space opened up and she came in. Remember, we are, for the most part, talking about unchurched guests. It doesn’t take much for Satan to throw up a barrier from their coming in. Are you willing to help remove that barrier? Is it too much of a sacrifice for those of us who are healthy enough to walk a little further to park at Willow Academy? Those of us who are not seniors, disabled, or single moms with small children, we are asking to leave open the parking lot and on-street parking near the church for new people. I know, early comers should have the right to get the best spots. But we are not talking about getting our rights, we are talking about being servants. Will you make that sacrifice for Jesus?
    Second, you have probably also noticed that our 11:00a service is by far the most congested, and its going to get worse. Some of you need to attend that service because of your serving schedule. But some of you could make the move to Saturday at 5p or the early service on Sunday (9a). Would you be willing to make that shift for the benefit of others? Think of it as missionary attendance. Of course, if you have a guest coming with you, attend the service they will come to. But otherwise, would you consciously make room for newcomers (who usually attend the 11a service) by moving to a less attended service? Here’s the plus if you move to Saturday: you can park in the parking lot because there is plenty of room!
    Third, and this is a small matter, but it does matter. Which ever service you attend, unless you absolutely have to for disability issues or ministry position, please do not sit on the aisle. Just move in to fill the middle of the row so that others who come after you can easily find a place. And also, it would really help us out if you moved closer to the front (just a few rows ahead of what you are used to) so that we can fill in the rows from front to back.
    On this weekend, when in some services the auditorium will be packed and parking overflowing, this is all the more important. Unless you have guests with you, please try to attend Saturday evening or the 8a Easter service (9:30 & 11 will be congested). Please park at Willow Academy, and move towards the front and middle of the aisle. You’ll be surprised how those humble sacrifices to serve others will make you feel.
    Doubling the family of God at The Bridge is a radical objective. But it is something God wants to do. But it will take radical praying, radical inviting, and radical objective. Let’s practice all three this weekend!