January 4, 2016
Today’s reading link: Genesis 4; Matthew 4; Ezra 4; Acts 4
What does sacrifice mean to me? Every thing belongs to God, even our pride. How do I put all that on the alter? How do I make my life a living sacrifice?
Why is the history of man about the struggle to give to God what is God’s?
Cain wanted God’s approval for his sacrifice. He wanted it so bad he killed his own brother in the rage of his disappointment. How could God favor Abel’s sacrifice more than his?
We all face the temptation to seek our glory over God’s. Even Jesus, as God among us, dwelling in the flesh, faced this very temptation in the desert.
“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” (Matthew 4: 8-10).
We are not meant to serve ourselves; for we belong to God, and any gifts or possessions we might claim, are all from God.
I am often reminded that everything I am and all I have is God’s. The sooner I am able to return these gifts to the rightful owner, the sooner God is able to bless them to his service.
The words, “it’s not about us” are so simple, so true, and yet very hard to live by, especially in our own power. It seems, we always get in some sort of trouble, when we forget that everything belongs to God, especially all glory, and praise, and reverence.
We were made to build God’s Kingdom, not ours! What are you building?