Pray:
God, who gave all for me, I want to offer more than a surface devotion.
Read:
Leviticus 1:1-17
Reflect:
What light does the passage shed on Romans 12:1?
Burnt offerings were offered daily at the tabernacle, twice on the Sabbath and whenever people wished to bring them. Although there are specific methods and rules for the practicalities involved, these offerings were entirely voluntary; they were genuine gifts and expressions of worship. It was an involved, physical process as the worshiper dealt with the animal up to and including slaughter (5) when the priests' work began. But it resulted in an aroma "pleasing to the Lord" (9,13,17).
Worship today seems fairly simple in comparison. However, I am challenged by how much of themselves the Israelites had to put into their offerings and acts of worship. When we worship it can be easy to remain at the edge of what's happening, losing an opportunity to bring God an offering of ourselves. Instead, when we surrender ourselves to God, engaging our whole selves in worship and honoring him above everything else, we also bring a "pleasing aroma" to God. Just as the complete burning-up of the Israelites' offerings reflected their complete surrender to God, in our own lives we can also offer God our all in worship, devotion and commitment.
Apply:
Consider honestly whether you have brought God your whole self. Commit to the cost of complete surrender.
Pray:
Jesus, You are the spotless Lamb sacrificed for me. I lay all before You.
