In what ways can we offer sacrifices to God in our daily lives? The Peace Offering: Setting the Scene Leviticus 3:13 records: “He shall lay his hand on its head and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron's sons shall sprinkle its blood on all sides of the altar.” • The worshiper personally identified with the animal by laying a hand on its head—a tangible confession that life must be given to make peace with God. • Blood was sprinkled on all sides, signifying total surrender and complete acceptance by God. • The resulting fellowship meal symbolized harmony between God, priest, and worshiper. Fulfilled in Christ, Opened to Us • Jesus became our perfect peace offering (Ephesians 2:13–14; Colossians 1:19-20). • Because His sacrifice is once-for-all (Hebrews 10:12-14), we no longer bring animals—yet we are called to present living sacrifices of gratitude (Romans 12:1). Daily Sacrifices of Praise and Proclamation Hebrews 13:15: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” Practical expressions: – Begin and end each day voicing thanks for specific mercies. – Speak openly about Christ to family, coworkers, neighbors. – Choose worship music, Scripture memorization, and grateful conversation over complaining. Costly Acts of Doing Good and Sharing Hebrews 13:16: “And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Offerings we can lay on the altar: • Finances: firstfruits giving, generous support of missions and the needy (Philippians 4:18). • Time: visiting the lonely, mentoring a younger believer, volunteering quietly behind the scenes. • Possessions: hospitality, lending tools or vehicles, meeting practical needs without fanfare. Whole-Life Obedience as Sweet Aroma Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus…” Areas to surrender: – Work ethic marked by integrity and diligence. – Media choices that honor holiness (Psalm 101:3). – Speech seasoned with grace rather than gossip (Ephesians 4:29). – Forgiveness offered quickly, mirroring Christ’s mercy (Matthew 6:14-15). Brokenness and Humility God Will Not Despise Psalm 51:17: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Ways to cultivate contrite hearts: • Regular confession of sin, trusting 1 John 1:9. • Fasting to express dependence and deepen prayer. • Submitting personal ambitions to God’s will, echoing Jesus in Gethsemane. Serving as a Royal Priesthood 1 Peter 2:5: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Our priestly tasks today: • Intercessory prayer for nations, leaders, churches. • Guiding family worship—reading, teaching, blessing. • Extending mercy and justice in society (Micah 6:8) as representatives of the King. Living the Peace Offering Every Day When we: 1. Identify with Christ’s sacrifice (faith and repentance), 2. Lay every area of life on God’s altar (Romans 12:1), 3. Enjoy fellowship with Him through praise, obedience, generosity, and service, …we mirror the pattern of Leviticus 3:13. Our daily sacrifices rise like a pleasing aroma, not to earn favor, but to celebrate the peace already secured by the Lamb who was slain. |
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