“Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old day by day regularly. One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight. And with the first lamb a tenth seah of fine flour mingled with a fourth of a hin of beaten oil, and a fourth of a hin of wine for a drink offering. The other lamb you shall offer at twilight, and shall offer with it a grain offering and its drink offering, as in the morning, for a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD.
Exodus 29:38-41 (ESV)

A lot of times, when reading the Pentateuch, I think “Wow… they really had to do a lot of stuff!” But it really shows the purity, sacrifice, and dedication that God desires of His chosen people. I’m also thankful that I don’t have to perform all of the crazy sacrifices and offerings that the priests did because Jesus has become the ultimate sacrifice.

And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,
Hebrews 10:11-12 (ESV)

Jesus became the all time sacrifice, and there’s no need for another one. He did what no other food sacrifice could do: he entered into heaven, where he sits at the right hand of God. Our sacrifice as Christians may not be food anymore, but we’re still called to sacrifice.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Romans 12:1 (ESV)

Our sacrifice is our bodies; our entire being. Our sacrifice is giving full control to God and saying, “Here I am, do what you will with me.” It’s sacrificing all worldly desires, keeping ourselves pure, and focusing on giving Him glory in every area of our lives. That is our worship, that is our sacrifice.

I’m so thankful for Jesus’ sacrifice… how could I refuse to give him my life in return?

Seek the LORD and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
Psalm 105:4 (ESV)

I’ve been meditating on this scripture a lot recently. What does it mean to “Seek the LORD and his strength?” The word for “seek” here means to pursue God, usually by worship or prayer. The word “continually” is often used to mean constant sacrifice.

This isn’t saying “put your worship CDs on and pray regularly,” it’s saying WORSHIP God, continually sacrificing self to seek the Lord (maybe turn off those worship CDs if you think it’s hard to pray without them). Don’t stop seeking the LORD, even in your weakest times… that’s when you seek Him and His strength! It is Him who strengthens us, and there is no greater source.

I am challenging myself to find ways to get out of my routine and sacrifice something to seek God in prayer or in the Word. I find that I probably listen to the radio in the car too much (and I drive a lot). So, here are some suggestions: maybe turn off the radio in the car, watch less TV, or read less other books and replace them with the reading Bible or prayer.

Let’s start seeking!