Moses is credited with writing Deuteronomy. Those who know about this book say that it’s three of his last sermons and a few of his prophetic poems. In it Moses is urging Israel to not repeat its’ past mistakes. Deuteronomy 17:1 is just such a verse. Basically it says not to sacrifice bullock or sheep that are blemished. Why? Because to God it is detestable.
It makes sense. Who wants a gift (sacrifice) that has been spoiled, no one. When I was a first-year teacher (a long time ago) the Home Ec teacher kind of took me under her wing. Sometimes at the end of a long day, she would bring me a small plate of something they had prepared in class that day. After a few times, I thought I would congratulate my students on how delicious the previous days’ fare was. There was an awkward moment as the students looked at each other. Then, one of them asked, “Did she bring it to you on a blue saucer?” I nodded and said, “Yes.” It turned out that was the dish that the students emptied their plates onto. I actually thought I would get ill.
I imagine God would feel the same way with sacrifices. Especially since he sacrificed his only Son for us. He gave the best. We shouldn’t do any less.
People may think that sacrifices are over and done with. But, Romans 12:1 will clear that up. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” As Christians, we’re the living sacrifice. We’re to do as much serving God as he has equipped us to do.
What it boils down to is how much you love God. There are probably those that don’t really know what God is like and may not even know where to look to find out about him. Ephesians 1, 2, and 3 is a good place to begin. In those three chapters are the provisions God has made for us in Christ. Second Corinthians 5 is Paul’s testimony of his motivation to press on because of what God did for him (Paul) in Christ. Look for God’s attributes. They’re sprinkled throughout the Bible.
It makes sense. Who wants a gift (sacrifice) that has been spoiled, no one. When I was a first-year teacher (a long time ago) the Home Ec teacher kind of took me under her wing. Sometimes at the end of a long day, she would bring me a small plate of something they had prepared in class that day. After a few times, I thought I would congratulate my students on how delicious the previous days’ fare was. There was an awkward moment as the students looked at each other. Then, one of them asked, “Did she bring it to you on a blue saucer?” I nodded and said, “Yes.” It turned out that was the dish that the students emptied their plates onto. I actually thought I would get ill.
I imagine God would feel the same way with sacrifices. Especially since he sacrificed his only Son for us. He gave the best. We shouldn’t do any less.
People may think that sacrifices are over and done with. But, Romans 12:1 will clear that up. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” As Christians, we’re the living sacrifice. We’re to do as much serving God as he has equipped us to do.
What it boils down to is how much you love God. There are probably those that don’t really know what God is like and may not even know where to look to find out about him. Ephesians 1, 2, and 3 is a good place to begin. In those three chapters are the provisions God has made for us in Christ. Second Corinthians 5 is Paul’s testimony of his motivation to press on because of what God did for him (Paul) in Christ. Look for God’s attributes. They’re sprinkled throughout the Bible.
