Laying It All Down
People tend to love partaking in tradition and ritual but God challenges us to take it further into surrender.
On Ash Wednesday people apply ashes on their heads but believers of Christ are challenged to become the ash. For some Christians, the ashes on the forehead is a symbol of repentance of sins and a sign of humility before God. The tradition dates back to the Old Testament where wearing ashes was a common sign of repentance. During a message preached on Holy Week, Pastor Josh Hamstra of V1 church encouraged Christians to take it a step further by laying down pride, preferences, and comforts, asking Jesus to take everything.
“Everything” is a big ask. That means everything – House, family, career, self… etc and to some that seems extreme but the magnitude of the word, mirrors scripture. In giving up everything to God we become the ash not just putting a symbol of it on.
“ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” – Galatians 5:24
To crucify the flesh, a sacrifice must take place. The Apostle Paul made it clear in the aforementioned scripture that the flesh will come with its share of feelings leading the believer the opposite way. Jesus died so that we would sin no more. He is calling His followers to sacrifice. He knew all about sacrifice, even unto death on the cross. The cross is where He conquered sin. So crucifying the flesh is not fasting from sin for a season, it’s denying your sinful nature and realizing that Jesus is the one that breaks every chain and washes us clean. In crucifying the flesh the Christian joins with Him and picks up their cross.
Go to the Source
The way we become righteous is by going to the One who knew no sin, we run to the righteous One. In all of our sin and dirt, we are granted the privilege to run to the feet of Jesus who calls us sons and daughters. That inheritance is why those who follow Jesus are compelled to sacrifice and surrender. Believers must get to a place of surrender to fully live out what God has intended for us.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”– Galatians 2:20
Both Jesus and Paul gave an invitation to sacrifice not just behavior modification. Crucifying the flesh is not a temporary change, it is a killing of the old nature to put on Christ. The Lord calls His children to radical sacrifice.
Revival Proceeds Sacrifice
Revival is the fruit of sacrifice and repentance. You must know Jesus alone is who satisfies and who breaks the chains. In Scripture, there are accounts of what took place in the lives of thousands following repentance. In Acts 2:36 – 41, we see that those who accepted the message of the gospel, repented and were baptized. Revival didn't happen, however, until the message was preached, and the people made their hearts right with God, then the Holy Spirit fell and they were baptized.
If you are a Christian who finds yourself stuck in cycles of sin, repent and be baptized. Be filled with the Holy Spirit and allow God to do the transformation in your life. Many get to the place of belief in Christ but do not repent (Turn away from sin) in full surrender. Jesus takes us out of the pit and puts us on the solid rock. He takes dead people and makes them alive again. His followers must trust Him in everything.
Pastor Josh shared seven sacrificial actions by people in the book of Acts 2: 42 – 48 which brought on revival.
Sacrificial devotion to the word of God
Sacrificial devotion to each other in fellowship with each other
Sacrificial devotion to the breaking of bread - eating and fasting
Sacrificial devotion to praying
Sacrificial devotion to unity
Sacrificial devotion to generosity
Sacrificial devotion to praising God
Are you in a place where you will give God everything, where you will become the ash?
About the Author
Jeannie Ortega Law is a chart-topping singer, evangelist, media personality and author from New York City. She can be reached on social media: @JeannieOrtega or emailed at Info@JeannieO.com
At V1 Church we believe in teaching Bible-based relationship principles so that you can your family can be strengthened. Connect with us using one of the links below – we’d love to see you and help you walk through the process of reconciliation.