By Pastor Bob DeKlavon
As we read through the older testament—we are confronted with sacrifices all over the place.
Leviticus gives us sacrifices for different reasons using different means.
It almost gets overwhelming as we see one after another listed.
Then, throughout the older testament—we find sacrifices offered for such things as:
Rejoicing or, penitence or, as a way to show someone’s desire to walk with God.
When we get to the newer testament, we get the idea that sacrifices are done.
Indeed, Jesus was the last sacrifice offered for sin so that is finished.
It is easy then to think that the concept of sacrifice is foreign to the Christian today.
That is why Hebrews 13:15-16 provides an interesting glimpse of what God desires.
Here is what it says:
“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Two sacrifices are given for the Christian and I have touched on them at different times before.
ONE—a sacrifice of praise.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 should hopefully come to mind:
“In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Right now—we are all inconvenienced and some are struggling mightily.
I am not thanking God ‘FOR’ the virus but I am striving to thank God ‘IN’ the virus.
Is it a sacrifice?
Yes, certainly not to the extent of killing an animal but it is still a sacrifice.
But, it helps me keep focused on the Lord rather than what is happening here.
TWO—do not neglect doing good and sharing
Paul wrote to Titus about this over and over.
James wrote about showing our faith by what we do.
The way we do this now is different and, perhaps harder than 2 months ago.
But this is a sacrifice we make in order to please the Lord.
Understand—we don’t HAVE to do these things.
But since it pleases God—why wouldn’t we?
So—make it a point to give thanks for what God IS going in your life.
And…as you have opportunity—look to do good and share with someone else.
Kinda’ nice to think that those simple acts please the Lord Who gave so much for us.