Christmas. It reminds me that God sent His Son because of His great love for us. It reminds me that the story isn't over yet; Jesus will return one day; and oh, what a day that will be!
I came to the end of my readings in Numbers for this week. These verses wrap up with what a person must do once their time of separation has ended, and this one caught my attention, "He shall present his offering to the LORD." It started me thinking about that wonderful day when I will meet my Savior face to face, whether it be at His triumphant return or the day He calls me home. Do I come to Him with an offering? And if so, what kind? It won't be anything I carry with me, not like the Nazirite offering of lambs and rams and unleavened cakes.
My first thought was a life marked by the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Then I remembered Samuel's words, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." (I Samuel 15:22, NASB) I can offer Him my obedience.
What do you think? Should we come with an offering to the Lord when the fulfillment of our time of separation comes? And what does that offering look like? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Grace and Peace,
I came to the end of my readings in Numbers for this week. These verses wrap up with what a person must do once their time of separation has ended, and this one caught my attention, "He shall present his offering to the LORD." It started me thinking about that wonderful day when I will meet my Savior face to face, whether it be at His triumphant return or the day He calls me home. Do I come to Him with an offering? And if so, what kind? It won't be anything I carry with me, not like the Nazirite offering of lambs and rams and unleavened cakes.
My first thought was a life marked by the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Then I remembered Samuel's words, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." (I Samuel 15:22, NASB) I can offer Him my obedience.
That thought was reinforced when I read my New Testament
Scriptures for today from 1 John 2:1-17 which says in part: How can we be sure
we belong to God? By obeying His
commands. Those who obey God's word
really do love Him. Those who say they
live for God should live their loves the way Christ did. Stop loving the world and all that it offers,
for the world offers only lust for physical pleasure, the lust of everything
you see, and pride in our possessions.
They are not from the Father.
This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live
forever.
What do you think? Should we come with an offering to the Lord when the fulfillment of our time of separation comes? And what does that offering look like? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Grace and Peace,
Deb
1 comment:
You've got me thinking - thanks, I think. Piercing words in I John, too. Thanks!
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