First the Sacrifice, Then the Prize

“The Kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”         (Matthew 13:44) 

       The Olympics are always impressive. What amazes me, beyond the incredible athletic skill on display, are the stories of great sacrifice that the athletes and their families make in order to compete in the games.

      Some of the athletes have been working at their event since early childhood. Some parents have taken extra jobs so that their children might have the coaches, equipment and the opportunity to develop their skills. Time is invested and money is spent as teams travel to trials and competitions throughout the world leading up to the Olympic competition.

      It is just amazing.

      I am certain that for the one who stands on the awards podium clutching the gold medal, it is all worth it. 

      Much of modern faith seems geared to convenience. The path seems to point to obtaining the Kingdom at the least effort and with the least sacrifice. We don’t want to have to ‘give up’ too much. Even during Lent. Small, symbolic sacrifice is OK, but real inconvenience? That’s another thing! Religion is sold with positive feeling messages about the benefits of accruing to the believer: Faith will make you peaceful, stronger, and more successful.

      Don’t get me wrong. I think there are great benefits to the believer. But, look closely at message of Jesus Christ: The benefits always seem to come as a byproduct of sacrifice!

      This message is seen in Christ’s own life and death. He talks about laying down life for friends. Then, he goes to the cross. He is a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

      Jesus constantly points to scenes of sacrifice. Like the man who is in a field and discovers a hidden treasure: What does he do?  He realizes that he has found something of extreme value. So he hides it again and sells all that he has to purchase the field. It is in joy that he makes his sacrifice. But note: It is only by making the sacrifice that he gains the prize. 

      Some of the tears shed at the 2010 Winter Olympics seemed to me to be tears of deep joy. There is a bond between joy and sacrifice. Is there any deeper joy than the kind of joy that comes with deep sacrifice? The deeper the sacrifice, the greater the joy.

      Jesus invites us first to walk the sacrificial way.

      Then, he calls us to the podium for the treasured reward.   

      It’s up to us to go for the gold.