SACRIFICES

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Leviticus 1:2,10,14

“Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. When you present an animal as an offering to the Lord, you may take it from your herd of cattle or your flock of sheep and goats.

“If the animal present as a burnt offering is from the flock, it may be either a sheep or a goat, but it must be a male with no defects.

“If you present a bird as a burnt offering to the Lord, choose either a turtledove or a young pigeon.


Sacrifice, what is it's essence? 


"It is giving up something to show value, it is giving up something of value for the sake of something else, (Oxford dictionary)


Most time people talk of sacrifice without considering what it really is. It is something of value given in place of another, to pay for a wrong, show appreciation, or an expression of love.


If we are to summarize it, the Lord is interested in the heart of the one bringing the sacrifice and not in the sacrifice itself. We see this from the first sacrifice that was ever offered by man:


Genesis 4:2-7

Later she gave birth to his brother and named him Abel.When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground.

When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord.

Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift,

but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.

“Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected?

You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”


God is interested in your heart, that is when any sacrifice makes sense. See what the prophets said from God:


Hosea 6:6

I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. 

I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.


How can you keep sacrificing to a God you do not know neither do you obey?


Some abused the offering of atonement, you cannot carelessly live in evil then come once a year to sacrifice for your sins. No!


Christ came and paid the price once and for all. There is no need for any sacrifice of animals for sin. No!


Hebrews 10:5-10

That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, 

“You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. 

But you have given me a body to offer.

You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin.

Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God— as is written about me in the Scriptures.’”

First, Christ said, “You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses).

Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect.

For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.


What then do we offer since Christ has offered Himself?


We offer ourselves too!


Romans 12:1

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.


What are we sacrificing, is it worth it? What are we sacrificing to God?


What are you sacrificing to get that thing you want? Is it worth it? Have you measured well? Nothing is worth your soul.


Many have sacrificed their peace of mind for relationships that they later on find out to be a mirage. Some have sacrificed their faithfulness to God for a temporary pleasure or physical things which are of no value to them now or in the future.


Many have sacrificed their health to chase a presumed wealth, and the few who finally get it don't have the good health to enjoy it.


What have you, are you, or will you sacrifice? Have you counted the cost?


Don't sacrifice good and sincere relationships because of you want to satisfy your ego, envy or pride.


Can believers be wise. What is the essence of the Holy Spirit in you if He is not leading you? 


Remember, you will always be loyal to someone, let it be to the Lord.


Offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God. 


Let your heart be to the Lord.


Glory to God forevermore.


He calls us blessed.


Love

@the watcher

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