A Holy Sacrifice

DROPPING A FEW coins in the Salvation Army kettle at Christmas or giving used items to Goodwill Industries has become routine for most of us. But what if you were asked to contribute your best suit or your best set of china? God asked the Israelites to give their best as a sacrifice to him. No doubt some did it with secret grumblings, while others did it with joy.

Warming Up to God

Reflect on a time when you made some difficult sacrifices and the Lord made the cost worth it. Allow your words of praise and gratitude to well up in response.

Read Leviticus 1.

Discovering the Word

• When the Israelites brought offerings from their herds or flocks, what requirements did they need to meet (vv. 3-10)?
• How were the givers to identify themselves with the offering (v. 4)?
• What was the purpose of the offering (v. 4)?
• What part did the priests play in the offering (vv. 5-17)?
• How was an offering of birds different from one from the herd or flock (vv. 14-17)?

Applying the Word

In Romans 12:1 Paul urges us: "Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship." How is this sacrifice different from the burnt offerings of Leviticus 1? How is it the same?
Verses 9, 13 and 17 describe how the offering creates "an aroma pleasing to the LORD." How is your life pleasing to God?

Responding in Prayer

Give thanks for Christ's sacrifice and the salvation it has made available to you. Pray for guidance in how you can offer your body as a living sacrifice today.

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