About CFC
Our sacrifice to God – a matter of heart and will
By Darrin Paul
13th February 2012 | Category: Join the Journey 2012
Key Verse
“...and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments” Exodus 35: 21
“...and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments”
Main Content
Central truth: Bring your best to God, for He has given His best for you.
In the passage we read how the people of Israel responded to God’s call to build the Tabernacle and to give their offerings and gifts as a sacrifice. Unlike the creation of the golden calf, where Aaron demanded that one type of material (earrings) be given, here the people were invited by God to bring a variety of gifts as their hearts were stirred and their spirits were moved.
The people brought what ever they could, whether it was materials, possessions or just their time and effort and God empowered them by His Spirit to complete the task that He had called them to do.
Sacrifice is something many Christians are familiar with, if we want to serve our Lord we need to ‘take up our cross and follow Him’.... but easier said than done!!!
God’s best for you
If we look at the NT passage for today, Matt 27: 32 -56, we read about the ultimate sacrifice, that of Jesus on the cross and the rejection, ridicule and humiliation that He was subjected to for ourselves.
Taking up one’s cross is a metaphor for giving up one’s own life to follow Jesus. It requires a total commitment to turn from selfish ways and make a sacrifice of our own lives.
Your best for Him
As a Christian, like many others I’ve had to make sacrifices in my relationships, plans, use of time and a few unhealthy habits!!! This has been at times a painful journey, however I’m reminded, that just like the Tabernacle builders, God has empowered us by His Spirit to complete the tasks He has called us to do.
I often forget this and I’m prone to the odd wobble. It is always going to take the sacrifice of our own will over God’s to carry out His work, but as the words of the song say ‘it’s only in His will that I am free’. Just like the Israelites, we are asked to bring our gifts to the Lord and give them freely and that includes our sacrifices.
Consider:
What gifts and sacrifices do you feel are worth it in your Christian life?
Do we forget that it’s not only about being blessed by God and making demands on Him?
Darrin Paul
I’m Darrin Paul I work in sales and also volunteer as a counsellor for Connect Counselling in Donaghadee and I’m hoping to finish my degree in counselling later this year. I enjoy football (Man Utd.), reading and keeping fit. My passion is food and cooking, along with good company to enjoy it with.
