Lessons on the Power of Self-Sacrifice from our Legends

The stories of Esther, the four leapers, Jesus and Samson in the bible illustrate to us the power of self-sacrifice. Today, we are going to look at what each of these people did and the results of their actions as part of our investigation into the power of self-sacrifice.  

Esther

Esther laid her life down and saved Israel.

"If I die, I die." Esther 4:16

Esther could have been sentenced to death for approaching the king's presence without an invitation.  However, she did so and found favour with the king, who granted her request thereby delivering Israel from the hand of Haman.

The Four Leapers

The four leapers laid their life down and saved Samaria.

They said to each other, "Why stay here until we die? If we say, 'We'll go into the city'—the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So let's go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die." 2 Kings 7:3-4

Standing at the city gates and going hungry was less risky than going to the Arameans' camp.  Because they decided to go to the Arameans' camp, God cleared the way for them such that when they got there they found it vacant and ready for plunder.  The plunder was so bountiful that the four leapers could sell some it to the city, which was enduring a sever famine.

Samson

Samson laid his life down and defeated the Philistines.

Then Samson prayed to the LORD, "Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes." Judges 16:28

Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!" Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived. Judges 16:30

Jesus

Jesus laid His life down and saved Mankind.

"My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Matthew 26:39

"My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."  Matthew 26:42

Jesus was crucified to the cross and saved you and me from our sins.  Without the cross, there would be no redemption for all of mankind.

Self-sacrifice is a decision.  It is a choice that you take.  Like many other everyday decisions that you make, laying down your life has to be a conscious and voluntary decision.  Unlike many other everyday decisions that you make, however, laying down your life is usually a tough and costly choice that you have to take among not so many favourable or available courses of action.