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As a kid, I always dreamed of going to Hawaii. I didn't know much about it except that one of my favorite cartoons, Lilo and Stitch, took place there. I was very excited to have the opportunity to move there a few years ago and wondered what Hawaiian people would be like.
Upon arrival to the Big Island of Hawaii, I was advised to do some research on the culture and history so that I wouldn’t unintentionally offend someone through my ignorance. In doing so, I got a chance to learn a few things about the Hawaiian culture before meeting Hawaiian people. In my research, one of the things that really stood out to me was that several years ago, the Hawaiians believed that they must sacrifice someone in the volcano to keep the goddess of the volcano happy. I wasn't sure if this was real or if I was just spending too much time on the internet, but it never left the back of my mind.
It wasn’t long before I made several Hawaiian friends on the island and got invited to go to different places. One place I’ll never forget was visiting the active volcano.
One evening, I got a text that the volcano was erupting and I was welcome to ride with some local Hawaiians to see it. Not thinking about my google search a few months prior, I agreed to go almost immediately. For some reason, I was thinking that we weren't actually going to the volcano but to a spot where we could watch it from a safe distance. I’ve been wrong many times in my life and sadly, this was just like any other time.
As we approached, the sky turned red and I started to think, “ Is it possible, that we are actually driving to the erupting volcano?” Trying to pretend like I wasn't aware of what google said about some of the customs Hawaiians may have practiced a long time ago, I jokingly said, “Wow, we are pretty close.” Once we arrived, we got out and I realized that we were actually standing right in front of the volcano as lava poured out of it.
Around 200 yards away from the erupting volcano, I couldn't hide my fear anymore. I asked, “Are y'all going to sacrifice me?” Everyone laughed to the point of tears and said, “No, dude, we just wanted you to see what it looked like.” Relieved, I stated, “Wow, this looks very similar to what I've seen on TV from my safe, comfortable home.
As crazy as this story seems, what I’ve realized in reading the bible is that Paul says we must offer ourselves as a living sacrifice when we come to God.
“12 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.” - Romans 12:1 AMPC
When we give our life to Jesus, we don't have a life outside of Him anymore. In order to follow Jesus, we must let go of our wants and desires.
“24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also]. 25 For whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life]; and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting].” - Matthew 16:24-25 AMPC
Christians all over the world accept Jesus and are consequently cut off from their families, sometimes put in prison or beaten, and some are actually burned alive. It sounded crazy to think of someone getting thrown in a volcano for a goddess, but God expects us to be ready to be thrown in that same volcano for Him.
“32 And what shall I say further? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 Who by [the help of] faith subdued kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promised blessings, closed the mouths of lions, 34 Extinguished the power of raging fire, escaped the devourings of the sword, out of frailty and weakness won strength and became stalwart, even mighty and resistless in battle, routing alien hosts. 35 [Some] women received again their dead by a resurrection. Others were tortured to death with clubs, refusing to accept release [offered on the terms of denying their faith], so that they might be resurrected to a better life. 36 Others had to suffer the trial of mocking and scourging and even chains and imprisonment.” - Hebrews 11:32-36 AMPC
Without coming to Christ with this approach, we will find ourselves not relating to the bible and continuously falling asleep after five minutes of reading it.
“14 In fact, their minds were grown hard and calloused [they had become dull and had lost the power of understanding]; for until this present day, when the Old Testament (the old covenant) is being read, that same veil still lies [on their hearts], not being lifted [to reveal] that in Christ it is made void and done away.” - 2 Corinthians 3:14 AMPC
The bible isn't a book to be read but rather a standard to be followed. Without this type of devotion and commitment, we will find ourselves in a volcano that lasts for eternity.
“6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6 KJV
Question of the Day: Would you choose to be burned for one day or for eternity?