“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Romans 12:1 ESV
I am currently reading through the Old Testament. In it I am finding chapters and chapters of detailed and elaborate sacrifice requirements. It specifies who, when, where, how much and how often. And although we no longer are required to bring an ox or another animal to worship with us it intrigued me that God was so specific in this area and how that relates to present day.
Fast forward to the New Testament and although it does not list in detail sacrifice requirements like it does in the Old Testament it does still speak of sacrifice.
“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Hebrews 13:15-16 ESV
The New Testament speaks of us being living sacrifices. It speaks of sacrifices of praise and of self and says these sacrifices are pleasing to God. Sacrifice by definition is giving up something. A true sacrifice costs something.
If I am called to sacrifice what am I sacrificing. Do I sacrifice my time? Do I sacrifice my finances? The difference that I see from the Old Testament and the New Testament in this area is that unlike in the OT where the sacrifices were detailed and uniform our sacrifices today are based on our relationship with him. When we walk closely with him we are able to hear that still small voice that urges us to give of ourselves for the kingdom. What sacrifices is He calling you to today?
Lord, help me find a quiet time today in order to hear your voice. Call me to deeper sacrifices and deeper places with you. Let my life be a living sacrifice to you.
That Could Preach 