To Sacrifice or Not to Sacrifice
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 07:00AM The second scary "S" word of the week is "sacrifice".
In the Book of Leviticus, a system of sacrifices is laid out to reconcile God's people to God. Most of these involved the killing and often the burning of innocent animals. We don't practice this any longer because these were only graphic illustrations of God's principle that death is the consequence of sin, yet only innocent blood is able to wash away those sins. Even if we died for our own sins, this would not wash those sins away because we are not innocent. Once Jesus died for us and rose from the grave, animal sacrifices became just one more sin.
The different types of sacrifices made and the different ways they were shared are interesting.
A burnt offering had to be burnt completely and shared with no one, so that it was dedicated solely to God to atone for everyday sin, sin in general, the sins of the community.
Specific personal sin obligated the sinner to make a special sacrifice to God. Certain parts of this sacrifice were burnt as an offering to God, and other parts were given to the priests and their families to eat. Thus, sinners were obligated not only to apologize to God, but also to see that God's priests were fed in exchange for their ministry.
Peace offerings, which were sacrifices of meat, bread and oil made just to honor God, with no guilt attached, were shared with the entire community, including the priests. These peace offerings were completely voluntary, calling on the generosity of God's people to see that those who lived side by side with them had something to eat.
Sacrifice is an act of taking responsibility not only for one's relationship with God but also for the welfare of others. Most of us would like to think that we live sacrificially, but how often do we selfishly hang onto our money, our possessions and, even more important, the time and love with which God has blessed us, ignoring the sadness and bitterness and emptiness that we would see in our neighbors if we only dared to look. As noble as we believe it to be, sacrifice scares us.
What have I done in the way of sacrifice? Oh yes, I've given time, money, love, teaching, counseling, clothing, and food; I've smiled when I didn't feel like it and forgiven when I'd rather not. Good for me. On the other hand, I've also avoided all of these sacrifices when I felt comfortable doing so. I've stayed home when someone may have needed me to show up. These recent sins don't even include the selfish acts I committed before I was saved.
Should I give myself a pass because I know other Christians who have done worse than I? The problem with that idea is that the only person to whom I should ever compare myself to is Jesus, and that comparison is infinitely scarier than the idea of sacrifice. In fact, suddenly a life of sacrifice seems like the easy route.
What do you think?
Reader Comments (2)
Oh, Diane, I loved this! I love studying the Old Testament. It is so awesome, the types and shadows of what was to come...Jesus! I love it all! Thanks for the reminder that sacrifice is not always something that is comfortable for us to do. Blessings...Lynn
Wow - sacrifice is such a huge word to me. I know that everything we do comes with a price.
If we want to stay slim, we have to exercise and eat healthy. If we want to have friends, we must be friendly. If we want a clean house, we have to keep it clean.
But when it comes to things of the Lord, how often we ask without giving of ourself. It's easier to ask, plead and pray for, when what God is really wanting us to do is lean on Him.
Just think He died on the cross for our sins....how much more we should be willing to sacrifice and do whatever we are called to do.
Praise and Worship Calling: be there everytime there is rehearsal. Women's Ministry: Love and lead women who need that extra encouragement. Urshering: Be there even when we want to stay home. The list goes one.
Like your last comment said..."It is not always something that is comfortable for us to do". And...sometimes we just want to think of ourselves. Time to get off our chair and give our all to the one who gave His all for us!
Blessings!