Today’s Reading, 1 Kings 9 & 2 Chronicles 8
Focal Scripture: 2 Chronicles 8:12 “At that time Solomon offered burnt offerings to the Lord on the Lord’s altar he had made in front of the portico.”
Sacrificing unto the Lord really does matter. I know in our current cultural co text we don’t kill animals anymore to appease God. However, we still should be committing sacrifices daily to show our commitment and devotion. I know you might be thinking that this statement sounds crazy and we don’t have to make sacrifices as New Testament believers. If that is your thinking I am here to tell you that you are completely wrong in your thinking. The sacrifices that we make will come in more practical ways and can include our time, talent, and money. We might also make sacrifices in the area of relationships and our vocation. The point I am trying to make today is that sacrifices should be a normal part of our walk with God.
In today’s reading we see that Solomon responded with sacrifices unto the Lord. Not only did he make sacrifices he also built the altar that these sacrifices would take place. Why does this matter? It shows intentionality and it shows a heart to please the Lord on a daily basis. Sacrifice should come at a cost to us personally because the Lord is worthy of having our very best.
The challenge that we face as believers today is to worship the Lord and make genuine sacrifices. This can happen a few ways in the life of an individual. For instance you might have to sacrifice your preferences and do what is needed for the greater good. You might even have to sacrifice your time so you can pursue godliness and holiness.
In my experience believers do not want to sacrifice what the Lord requires, which is our life. I am not talking about literal death but I am talking about our complete devotion to the Lord. God wants our entire life given to him. This means we follow him first. It means we listen to him before anyone else. It also means that every decision that we make has Gods holiness in mind.
Too often we talk about sacrifice but we refuse to build an altar. True sacrifices have a place that they are placed. True sacrifices are expected to die so that the Lord can be honored with our life. I challenge you today to not just talk about sacrifice but to build an altar so sacrifice can take place.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Proverbs 25-26
