There is one thing we can do on earth that pleases God, but when we're in heaven He'll not find pleasure in it any longer

I recently posted a question on Facebook that generated some discussion. Well, at least people who saw me asked me if I was going to give the answer. Curiosity inspires search, and seeking the things of God brings His favor.  I believe most people want a deep experience with God, but we are not ready to yield up the price.

Here’s what I posted:

“There is one thing we can do on earth that pleases God, but when we're in heaven He'll not find pleasure in it any longer.”

The revelation of this hit me as I was going downstairs to ride my bike. I posted that after rolling it through while riding.

Sacrifice.

There is something about sacrifice here on earth that invites a double-take from God.

In the Old Testament, sacrifice was valued by those who had the heart of God.

 Then King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing.” 1 Chronicles 21:24

What a natural man calls waste, Jesus elevates as an act of sacrifice—an artwork in the eyes of God, as when Mary anointed His feet with costly perfume (John 12).

Through the work of the cross, animal sacrifice found an end. The sacrifice we make now involves our bodies.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

So when my body screams for its rights to be fed and I deny it through fasting to instead favor worshiping God, I’m sacrificing. I turn God’s face; He glances my way.  We won’t be able to do that in heaven; the body will be fully redeemed, changed with no more motions toward sin, temptations or struggles.

I find a comfort, a strange satisfaction, in the hunger pains. I’m beginning to understand Paul’s message:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When I’m struggling through a deep valley, when a dark hour slips in, or when night resists light and I fight the cry to give up and choose instead to praise Him—I make sacrifice, and a wondrous sacrifice at that. I can only do that this side of heaven.

It will be easy to praise Him in heaven. But here it’s noteworthy sacrifice. Remarkable sacrifice. We sow in tears here, but in heaven He dries them.

How do deeply persecuted followers of Christ lift grace in their depths of their struggle? It’s what they see on the other side.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—  always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.  2 Corinthians 4:7-12

The ultimate goal of sacrifice is to give ourselves for others so they can be won, encouraged, and inspired by the Model of suffering that we sacrifice to follow—Jesus. It shouldn’t be about us, but about modeling others toward Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. 1 Corinthians 1:3-7

Now I’m beginning to get a glimpse of what inspired Jesus to march towards the cross. I can sort of get how the martyr could raise two fingers while being burned alive when he was asked by another to lift one finger if the Grace of God were sufficient. It’s the joy on the other side of sacrifice in suffering that will escort me through the dark valley.

I started praying a scary prayer. One that I avoided; one that was absent from my story, and silent from my vocabulary.

Break me, Lord, so I can feed others. Spill me out, and scatter me to the wind so others can be reached. I give it all to you. Everything—even me. I’m a coin in your pocket to spend any way you want. Please don’t deny me this wondrous sacrifice.

I don’t want anything of earth to hold me. Sacrifice keeps me free.