At some point in your life, if not already, you will experience the opportunity to be "poured out like a drink offering." You will sacrifice something so that someone or somebodies may benefit from that sacrifice. It is humbling to serve in this manner.
Parents are very familiar with the concept of sacrifice. We give up something of ourselves for our children. It may be that time we want to spend in pursuit of a hobby so that we can attend a child's sporting event. It may be that we put off or eliminate buying that toy we have longed for so that a child can have something we did not have growing up. That is what being a parent is all about.
The Apostle Paul is just like us, as parent. He fostered the birth and growth of congregations in Philippi, Ephesus, Galatia, and others. He poured out his heart and soul in his ministry so that the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ would spread and reside in the hearts of many. He did son while free, and in prison. Ultimately, his life was poured out and emptied spreading that same Good News. He gave the ultimate sacrifice. That last full measure of devotion to his Savior, Jesus Christ. He did not deny Jesus in his hour of need. He did not back down when doing so would have spared his life. It is a behavior learned from the study and emulation of the life of Jesus. Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice so that all men would be set free from the death in sin. (Check out the irony in the words of the High Priest Caiaphas from John 11:49-51) He did not back down, he did not deny His Father. He cared for his sheep, and left his Disciples to care for His sheep. The love for His children has been handed down to this very day to each and everyone of us. We too sacrifice to spread the Word. We give of ourselves in time, talent, and treasure to continue the ministries reaching out to the lost. We too are poured out like a drink offering and share the joy that Paul felt.
PRAYER: Our Father In Heaven we stand here today, the beneficiary of the sacrifice of so many. From the day of You Son dying on the cross and his resurrection all the way to present time others have given so that we might live now and eternally. Our lives are totally dependent upon the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. And for that, no words can adequately express our gratitude. We each, in turn, sacrifice so that others may learn of the wonderful gift of Your Grace. We ask Father for the faith, courage, and determination to continue even as we too are poured out like a drink offering. We offer this prayer in the name of Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
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