No doubt you remember figure skater Nancy Kerrigan. Although she won a silver medal in the Olympics, she is probably best remembered for her unfortunate experience with Tonya Harding.
However, there is another part of Nancy’s life that is far more interesting.
Nancy’s mother experienced severe nerve damage in her eyes when Nancy was one year old! A virus attacked her eyes and Brenda became legally blind. In order to watch Nancy skate, Brenda must press her face against her television, and even then, the figure of her beautiful daughter is just a blur.
In spite of her blindness, Brenda Kerrigan has always been a wonderful support for her daughter. She demonstrated her love for Nancy by starting her day, every day, at 4:30 a.m. in order that Nancy might practice at the ice rink. This went on for years!
It cost her family over $35,000 a year to provide the best coaches and equipment for her daughter. Her husband, Dan, didn’t make that much in a year!
When Mrs. Kerrigan was asked about the great sacrifice she and her family had made for Nancy, she replied, “It never made any sense. We just did it.”
Sometimes sacrifice doesn’t make sense. It can cost a great deal! Just ask Jesus.
On the night Jesus was betrayed, he sat down to eat the Passover meal with his disciples. At that meal, Jesus established a memorial of his death, the communion service. Through the use of water, grape juice and bread, Jesus gave us a reminder of his sacrifice for us.
Jesus said: “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”Luke 22:15-20
Truthfully, the enormity of Jesus’ sacrifice doesn’t make sense! The Son of God was willing to become a man, suffer and die for sins we had committed? It was a sacrifice too great! And yet it is the sacrifice God’s great love demanded.
Like Mrs. Kerrigan, perhaps God would say, “It never made any sense. We just did it.” I for one am glad He did!
With Love,
Mike Tucker
