2/17/11 More ponderings on sacrifice this month have led me to some observations. In the Old Testament there were lots of blood sacrifices and burnt offerings as well as sacrifices for peace offerings. After the ultimate sacrifice of the Lord for our sins, the sacrifices that are fragrant aromas to the Lord are ourselves----as we live out our lives on behalf of others and to His glory. Walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice, to God as a fragrant aroma. (Ephesians 5:2)
Oswald Chambers added to my ponderings with his 2/5 & 2/6 entries in his devotional My Utmost for His Highest. I had to ask myself, am I willing to sacrifice my “limited” resources of time, money, and energy for others whom God puts in my path?
Chambers asks, “Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for the work of another believer—to pour out your life sacrificially for the ministry and faith of others? Or do you say, “I am not willing to be poured out right now, and I don’t want God to tell me how to serve Him. I want to choose the place of my own sacrifice.” Are you willing to give and be poured out until you are used up and exhausted—not seeking to be ministered to, but to minister?” “Are you ready to be poured out as an offering? It is an act of your will, not your emotions. Tell God you are ready to be offered as a sacrifice for Him. Then accept the consequences as they come, without any complaints, in spite of what God may send your way”
If I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all—Philippians 2:17
Heb. 13:16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
