Gains Of Sacrifice

Gains Of Sacrifice

The popular saying “no pain, no gain” can be aptly applied to the story of Easter, which began with the forty days Lenten period and now, gradually getting to the climax with the commemoration of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross and his subsequent resurrection on Easter Sunday.

29th Of March, 2024, which is Good Friday, brings to mind the ultimate sacrifice Jesus Christ paid on the cross of calvary for the redemption of mankind.

Prior to His crucifixion, Jesus Christ underwent torture from soldiers who had a swell time flogging him like a common criminal.

Instead of wearing him a golden crown to depict his kingship, he was rather given a crown of thorns that pierced his head.

On his shoulders was laid a heavy wooden cross to carry to Calvary, where he would be crucified.On his way, he was mocked by the crowd, the very people he had performed miracles to save.

While calling him unprintable names, some of them spat on him, others pulled him by his beards.

Even his disciples abandoned him, when it mattered most.

At the height of it, was the betrayal of one of his disciples, Iscariot who sold him out to the Roman authority for 30 pieces of silver.

At several times, Jesus fell down with the cross on his shoulders, as a result of the brutality of the soldiers.

However, he was not deterred, still, Jesus struggled on.Even a passerby, Simeon of Cyrene, who was compelled by the soldiers to carry the cross behind him, for fear that he would die on the way before reaching his destination, could do little to help.

All alone to Calvary, Jesus Christ carried the heavy cross on His shoulder.

To humiliate him further before his death, the soldiers tore his garment and with an air of conquest, they nailed his hands and feet to the cross, allowing him to hang like a common criminal.

After three hours of excruciating pains on the cross, he gave up the ghost.

As sad as the scenario is, the death of Jesus Christ, today remains the foundation of the Christian faith, the symbol of victory and salvation.

It is through His death that mankind is reconciled to God. As it is applicable in life, nothing good comes easy.

For instance, many celebrated icons found their way to stardom on the alter of sacrifice.

Scientific breakthroughs occurred after repeated trials, some at an expense of a fortune.

Also, sports men and women give up all kinds of comfort to be relevant.

Academics burn the midnight oil to get unparallel grades.

Likewise in nation building, leaders of many developed nations today gave up their yesterday to secure a better future for their countries.

Even in the history of African independence, some countries like Angola and South Africa got theirs through blood shed.

In the light of Good Friday, therefore, it is of uttermost necessity for Nigerian leaders at all levels to emulate the selfless sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind.

It is not enough for leaders to appeal to citizens to be patient and endure pains in the name of economic reforms while they themselves are waxing in affluence and wealth.

Likewise, some religious leaders milk their followers of their little resources under different guise and all manner of offerings, all targeted for their personal interest, aggrandizements, and comfort.

Indeed, if there is anything to come by, leaders at all levels should be the sacrificial lamb as exemplified by Jesus Christ for the benefit of others.

Therefore, a day like Good Friday offers an opportunity for one to retrace his or her step to offer the needed sacrifices for the good of oneself, family, community, organization, country and the world at large.

By Idara Ukpanyang, Edited By Grace Namiji