Feb 26 (Daily reading: Numbers 7) The theme of this chapter is the presentation of offerings. “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Accept these things from them, that they may be used in the service…’” (7:4-5). Making offerings to God and for His work are included in His plans for us. God gave His people a plan of making sacrifices, but He always intended that this would be a service from the heart. There are many scriptures that describe the nature of our offerings.
Samuel said, “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam. 15:22). And Micah added this word from the Lord: “With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings…? … He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic. 6:6, 8, NIV).
A teacher of the law declared that the commandments, “To love (God) with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself;” were “much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, and told him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mk. 12:33-34).
Paul described the greatest offering we can make: “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Rom. 12:1).
– Al Gary
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