A Moment of Reflection

This morning, as I pondered the meaning of surrender, I brought the discussion to my children over breakfast. I asked them, “What does it mean to sacrifice?”

Their responses were profound:

• My oldest: “It’s not just about giving up—it’s love. You set aside your work to help someone else.”

• My youngest: “It means giving your heart to God.”

Their words carry deep truth. Sacrifice isn’t just about loss—it’s about choosing to love, serve, and trust God fully. These perspectives remind me that surrender is not weakness but strength—the willingness to place something greater ahead of ourselves.

Sacrifice is an act of surrender—an offering to God, like a sweet-smelling aroma of perfume. In ancient Israel, sacrifice was a vital expression of devotion and obedience. The clans of Israel presented lambs, goats, and bulls as offerings to honor their Maker, alongside grain, flour, oil, and various other gifts. Each act of sacrifice was a declaration of faith, a way to draw closer to God through surrender.