The first few chapters in the book of Leviticus contain instructions for presenting sacrifices to the Lord as an act of worship. Two things stand out to me in these chapters. First, the worshipper is called on to present his very best to the Lord. Notice in chapters 1 and 4 the Lord repeated the instruction that the sacrifice presented was to be without blemish. Second, whatever was presented at the altar stayed at the altar.
1 Peter 1:19 teaches that we no longer need to present animal sacrifices to the Lord because our redemption is secured through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord! Though we do not present animal sacrifices today, there are principles we can apply to our relationship with the Lord. First, God deserves our very best. Second, what we give to the Lord we release to Him without expectation of retaining partial ownership of what was given.
Our praise and worship belong to Him. Our property, finances, time, talents, family, dreams and our future all belong to Him. Whatever we keep is limited only to what we can do with it. Whatever we give to Him is subject to His authority and power. Give Him your very best today.
Let’s sing: “Lord I give you my heart, I give you my soul, I live for you alone. Every breath that I take, every moment I’m awake, Lord, have your way in me.” (I Give You My Heart, by Reuben Morgan)