FaithWalkDaily January 19, 2009
Psalms 4:5 Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.
What, pray tell, Lord Jesus, is a right sacrifice?
Jesus presented Himself, the perfect lamb, as a sin offering on behalf of all mankind. He is, was, ever shall be, the final blood sacrifice. No longer are we required to place an animal on the altar and follow rituals, to send a sweet fragrant offering to God Most High, to please or appease Him.
So again, what is a right sacrifice today? I'm no scholar and without adequate time to research what our Savior said on the subject, what I'm suggesting is based on years of reading Scripture, observing the life of Jesus through the word and growing in faith; a conglomerate of information, if you will. I'm also relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance here.
Jesus went from town to town spreading the good news, preparing the people to receive the King of Kings. He sacrificed his time and energy at great cost to himself for the years of his ministry before His crucifixion.
- He lived mostly away from family and friends
- He was often subjected to hunger, ridicule and driven out of town
- He was called on to work miracles night and day to the point of exhaustion
- He withdrew to quiet places alone to pray
- He taught his disciples constantly by His actions
- He fed the hungry
- He never asked for money, but reminded His disciples of the importance of good stewardship
- He was tempted to the nth degree and never succumbed to Satan's extortion
- He demonstrated unconditional love
- He protected children
- He loved the unlovable
- He cared for the oppressed
I could probably go on with this list for a long while as I picture the many stories in the New Testament of ways Jesus sacrificed during his lifetime. These are our examples.
Let's ask ourselves today, what right sacrifices are we making to our Heavenly Father who deserves infinitely more than we can fathom for His eternal love?
- Am I coming to Him first thing every day, to praise, worship and thank Him?
- Am I doing my best to live according to His plans and purposes for my life?
- Am I quieting my soul in order to hear the direction of the Holy Spirit?
- Am I watching for open doors and sharing the gospel whenever the opportunity arises?
- Am I caring for the needy, the helpless, the infirm, the widow, the orphan, the saints?
- Am giving back to God what He has given me, and following the laws of the land according to His commands?
- Am I imprinting Scripture on my heart to call to mind when I need it?
I firmly believe when we offer right sacrifices, we can trust in God knowing we present ourselves as a sweet and fragrant offering for God's glory.
Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.
* Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.Receive our right offerings, Lord, in the name of Jesus, amen.
* Psalms 5:11-12
