Sacrifice is one of the most important things a human has to be able to do, because if someone wants change for themselves or maybe for others they will most likely have to sacrifice. Sacrifice plays a huge role in Samuel book one and also in the story about anthony.
Starting with the King James reading that was given to us, Samuel one chapter eight tells a great story about that involves sacrifice. Samuel was getting older and the elders took notice of this and they were fans of it. They approached Samuel and told them that they wanted a king that would be able to look after and be in charge of all of them. Samuel however was not too interested in this idea that had been created. However Samuel is for the people and decides to go to the Lord and ask for approval and guidance on this. This is an example of sacrifice, Samuel wants the elders to be happy so he goes out of his way to talk to the Lord to help them. The lord approves this request and names Saul the leader of Israel. Samul warns the people of the outcome that will happen and all the things they will have to give up in order to have Saul as their king. “Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. 16 Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves”. These are just a short list of the things that people will have to accept. This connects with St Anthony’s story perfectly. Anthony grew up in a wealthy family, if you are wealthy you are very important and live an extravagant lifestyle. Unfortunately Anthony’s family died and he was left by himself, he struggled a lot. He mainly had issues with devilish feelings in himself, so he decided to become a Monk. He gave up his wealthy extravagant lifestyle in order for him to be closer with the Lord. The reason he did this was because of his interaction with God during the Gospel, “he heard the Lord saying to the rich man, “If you would be perfect, go and sell what you have and give to the poor; and come follow Me and you shall have treasure in heaven” (The Life of St. Anthony by St. Anthansius (Section 2)).
When reading these two sections from King James and “The Life of St Anthony” it should remind a person that in order to have and maintain a healthy and happy relationship with God you need to sacrifice and show him that you are willing to do anything to be by his side.
Citations
King James Bible 1 Samuel 8:12-17
The Life of St. Anthony by St. Anthansius (Section 2)
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