Jonah: Finding New Life 4 Sacrifice

 Sacrifice 

 Jonah 1:11-16 


The theology of sacrificial atonement is repugnant to me.  The idea that God demanded or planned that Jesus should be tortured and die “in my place” or “for my sin” is ridiculous.  How could Jesus “pay the price” in order to redeem my sin?  Are my sins, or yours, so great that they demand torture?  Who is Jesus paying?  Is God so vindictive that the only way to satisfy God’s anger is with murder?  I have no desire to be washed in the blood of Jesus. It just doesn’t make sense to me.  (Excuse the rant.)

However, I have experienced the sacrifice of one for the salvation of many.  Sometimes a dangerous situation requires someone to put themselves at risk so that others can be saved.  In that sense, Jesus died for the sins of the world and Jonah was sacrificed for the sake of the other sailors.  Sometimes evil or nature, is going to take its toll. Jesus stood firm in his resolution to follow the way of God’s love and forgiveness even on the cross rather than acquiesce to the ways of an evil empire. The Ukrainians that are stepping up in the face of Putin’s evil are making a sacrifice for all of us.  The small risks, impositions, unsolicited asks that come my way pale in comparison.  I can only respond with thanksgiving and a willingness to do all I can. 

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