In what ways can we offer our best to God today? The Ancient Picture: The Unblemished Lamb Leviticus 23:12 sets the tone: “On the day you wave the sheaf, you are to present a year-old male lamb without blemish as a burnt offering to the LORD”. • God required a flawless animal—nothing second-rate. • The instruction is literal history and enduring revelation: the LORD desires the very best, never leftovers. Fulfilled in Christ: Our Spotless Lamb • John 1:29 — “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” • 1 Peter 1:18-19 — We are redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.” • Because Jesus is the perfect fulfillment, our response is to offer ourselves completely (Romans 12:1). Translating ‘Best’ into Daily Life Romans 12:1 — “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Practical ways to do that: • Wholehearted worship – Sing, pray, and listen with full attention (Psalm 95:6). • Obedient holiness – Turn from sin quickly; pursue purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). • Firstfruits of time – Begin each day in Scripture and prayer, not after everything else (Mark 1:35). • Excellence in work and study – “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). • Stewardship of resources – Give first, not last (Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:7). • Gifts and abilities – Use talents to serve the body of Christ (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Compassionate service – Meet practical needs; “do not neglect to do good and to share” (Hebrews 13:16). • Sacrifice of praise – “Continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). Guarding Against Blemished Offerings Malachi 1:8-14 exposes half-hearted gifts. Modern parallels: • Casual, distracted worship • Morally compromised lifestyles • Tipping God financially instead of tithing firstfruits • Serving only when convenient • Using spiritual gifts sporadically or for self-promotion Promises Tied to Giving Our Best • Proverbs 3:9-10 — Honoring the LORD with firstfruits leads to overflowing barns. • Colossians 3:23-24 — The inheritance reward comes from the Lord Christ. • Hebrews 6:10 — God never overlooks work and love shown in His name. Steps You Can Take Today 1. Set aside undistracted morning time with the Word. 2. List your skills; plug one into church or community service this week. 3. Re-evaluate your budget so giving comes off the top. 4. Identify one area of compromise; repent and bring it under Christ’s lordship. 5. Offer intentional praise—sing aloud, journal gratitude, declare His faithfulness. Giving God our unblemished best is not a relic of ancient Israel; it is the joyful privilege of every believer redeemed by the flawless Lamb. |
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