Altar of Sacrifice

John 8:38
Rom. 12:1,2
When I was in Mexico, I was surrounded by Mayan culture. While accenting the colors and the flavors of the Mayan people, they glossed over the barbaric parts of the past. Mankind is repulsed by the word sacrifice. It summons pictures of unwilling captives being dragged away to their deaths. We find it truly frightening.
Today's reading is all about sacrifice, self sacrifice. We live in an era that focuses on love, peace and well being. We shy away from blood, Holiness and sacrifice. Romans 12:1,2 speaks of placing ourselves on the alter of sacrifice, but what are we offering God? We are to place "self" on that alter. All the "This is how I see it" our will over Gods will. Yes that includes our personal desires, Our goals. All of it freely offered to God; Body Soul and Spirit, all for him and his use.
The return is total Freedom; Freedom from our debt to God for our sin. We are adopted as sons and daughters--co-heirs with Christ! (Gal.1:5)We have an inheritance in Heaven (Gal.1:11) Freedom from cares because when we understand him as Lord, we see that his control and guidance in our lives, far surpasses any goals or destination we could have ever desired. Total life guidance control is ours. What have we truly given up? Brokenness, wrong life turns and disappointments On the Alter of "Love of Christ". We receive much more than we give. There is nothing to fear. Perfect Love casts out fear. (1st John 4:18) Let us pray:
Father, It is with a grateful heart that we freely lay ourselves on the Alter of self sacrifice. Lord all that we are, all that we have, all that we are to become, we freely give to you. You are LORD of ALL. Lord of every part of ourselves. We do so as our personal act of Spiritual worship with Thanksgiving. We know there are times when we stumble on to things we have held back, but as you reveal them, by your Spirit, we will grow together with your help and Grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.