Offer Yourselves As Living Sacrifices

Now, someone might ask, “How could Israel’s worship be spontaneous and ‘free-willed,’ if it was all so carefully regulated? Or how can our official worship be genuine, if we have a strict order that we follow every Sunday?” But our text shows that when there’s a true focus on the LORD, a remembrance of his works, and a love of his glory, it is assured that any worship will abound with enthusiasm and life.

Why, God has always intended that worship be a festive experience! Consider verse 30, speaking of those sacrifices, “On the same day it shall be eaten; you shall leave none of it until morning.” To us that may be seem odd: what does eating have to do with worship? But while some sacrifices were completely burned up before the LORD, portions of some were shared with the priests, and portions of other offerings were given back to the worshipers—given to the same people who’d brought them to the tabernacle, given back so they could eat it.

So around God’s holy sanctuary, besides everything else, there’d also be much feasting. Sure, the LORD wanted

his people to acknowledge Him, and sacrifice to Him. But giving things up shouldn’t be a joyless act. For God also desired that they celebrate his rich generosity with eating and drinking. Let Israel physically enjoy how God had blessed them, and was at peace with them. No wonder the Scriptures always speak so highly of the worship of God, and the pleasure that it brings; just as the Psalmist declares, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere!” (84:10).

As God’s kingdom of priests and his holy nation, this is the joyful work we can be busy with, day by day—no matter our age, condition or standing. We’re called to be holy, just as He is holy; and we’re called to freely and joyfully offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ. As Paul would say: “For of him, and through him, and to him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”