Today’s Reading, Romans 11-13
Focal Scripture: Romans 12:1 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.”
The Bible is full of sacrifices. It continually talks about the process, the implication and the meaning. Sacrifices are meant to die. Blood is going to be spilt. Death is inevitable. However, Paul addresses sacrifice from a different perspective.
In today’s reading Paul talks about being a living sacrifice. He wants believers to present their bodies as sacrifice and to make it an act of worship. Paul knows that this statement will take his readers by surprise. A living sacrifice implies that it is a choice that one must make. You must put yourself on the altar daily. The bad part is that you can also crawl off the altar. This is why Paul is emphasizing that this is an act of worship. Worship is a very intentional choice.
So the application today asks a very personal question. Are you presenting your body as a living sacrifice? Do you bring your entire life before the Lord and give it to him? If not, why? God has given us everything and offered salvation. Our reasonable response should be giving him every bit of ourselves.
I challenge you today to do a deep dive in your personal life. To make sure you are choosing Christ above everything else in your life. This means that we give up or wants and desires and follow his plan. It means we no longer belong to ourselves but to our King.
A living sacrifice is a big example. A living sacrifice shows a consecrated life. A living sacrifice shows commitment to the cause. A living sacrifice demonstrates an understanding of the Christian walk.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Romans 14-16
