Not Every Offering is a Sacrifice

For many believers today marks the start of Lent, a period of time before Easter used for praying, sacrificing and giving. Ash Wednesday is recognized as a day to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus. Although Lent is not mentioned in the Bible, it does represent a very important part of our faith: sacrifice.

In the past, maybe you have participated in Lent. Or, you may be thinking about doing so this year. If so, you may be asking yourself, "What are some of the things people give up (sacrifice)"? Some give up indulgences in their lives such as: alcohol, tobacco, chocolate, sweets, social media or other self-pleasing aspects of life. To many, this is a serious time of sacrifice and reflection which provides a time we can draw closer to Christ. Unfortunately, for others it becomes nothing more than a token sacrifice or a box that has been checked. In other words, an offering was given but a sacrifice was never made.

The Bible is clear on God's view of true sacrifice. In the Old Testament, believers would offer sacrifices to appease God and avoid His wrath. They were expected to offer their first fruits and not what was left over or unwanted/unneeded. In other words, they were to offer and sacrifice the best they had. This is exactly what God did in the New Testament. He offered His best by allowing His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Read Hebrews 10 and learn how Jesus' explains the need for God to send His best as a sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:3 says To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. What a powerful revelation! Many are trying to buy off God by simply offering up something they have but do not, necessarily, need or want. The writer of Proverbs is encouraging us to sacrifice our lives (by doing what is right and just) to God. Can you not see how this mirrors what Jesus did for you and me?

As you prepare your hearts and minds to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Savior, I encourage you to examine the sacrifices you have made to Him...

Pastor Aaron