THE PURPOSE OF SACRIFICE: Devotion for Wednesday June 15, 2016
Text: Leviticus 1:1 – 9 Memory verse: v 4
God
made it clear from the time of creation that sin separates people from Him, and
that those who sin deserve to die. But because all have sinned (Rom. 3:23), God,
filled with love and mercy, designed sacrifice as a way to seek forgiveness and
to restore a relationship with Him. He instructed people to shed blood by killing
animals as sacrifices for sin. That’s why when God taught His people to worship
Him; He placed great emphasis on sacrifices (1:2). Sacrifices were God’s Old
Testament way for people to ask forgiveness for their sins.
There
are two purposes for animal sacrifice: (1) the animal representatively took the
sinner’s place and paid the penalty for sin; and (2) the animal’s death
represented one life given so that another life could be saved. This was a
shadow of what Jesus would do on the cross and now have done. It was effective
in teaching and guiding the people and bringing them back to God. In New
Testament times, however, Christ’s death became the last sacrifice needed. He
took the punishment once and for all for those who trust in Him. Animal
sacrifice is no longer required. Now, all people can be freed from the penalty
of sin by turning away from their sin, trusting in Jesus, and accepting the
forgiveness He offers. Have you turned away from your sins and accepted Jesus
as your Lord and Saviour? Note that modern day sacrifice in terms of tithe,
offering, financial support towards God’s work are not enough to save us. See
Psalm 51:16, 17.
Food for Thought: Hosea 6:6
Prayer: Help me Lord God to yield my life totally to you instead of depending on sacrifices which cannot win your love.
