Devotionals

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Gift Or Sacrifice?
©
by

Stephen A. Peterson


Parables are not just the stories Jesus told those in His company over 2,000 years ago. Part of the American western lore involves the telling of useful stories/parables as well. Some of the western lore not readily told are the stories told to Native American children by their grandparents and parents. One of my favorites was told me by my Native American grandmother was: “The Deer and the Chicken”.

An extremely hungry deer came to a barn where she found a well-fed chicken feeding on feed provided her by the farmer. Within view was a road sign advertising a church bazaar in support of the church youth and elder programs. At the bottom of the sign, was written, “SUPPORT THE CHURCH YOUTH AND ELDER AGE FUND DRIVE! VENISON AND EGG DINNER WILL BE SERVED ALL DAY! COME ONE, COME ALL!”

The chicken said, “See, deer! I’ve made a great gift to the church to win humans’ souls for God and their salvation.”

“You’re right,” responded the deer. “But yours is a gift. Your gift is just a contribution. Mine, though, is a sacrifice. I or one of my kind must give up their life for the church’s cause and the praise and glory of God.” The chicken shook her head in agreement and affirmed the reality of her sacrifice.

Even though I’ve heard grandmother’s story more than once, it has taken me years to understand its meaning. Everyday, it would seem, I am a witness to the wails of teens and adults complaining about the difficulty of sitting in a classroom and listening to teachers and course information they do not care to listen to, having to give 10% of their earnings to the church or having gotten a cut or scratch in service to someone and the myriad of what people believe a sacrifices. Although I realize these are considered sacrifices, was there really a loss? How many people on this planet earth past and present have given their lives so that we may live in a free society? How many women and men have died rather than say “no” to their denial of Christ? How many appreciate the sacrifice and gift Jesus made on behalf of ALL humankind for all times? How many even care?

Now as I do my small part for Christ in this world, I’m more inclined to pause and ask myself, “Is it venison or eggs? A gift or sacrifice? Or is it nothing at all but my whining?”

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