04/12/2021 - THE GOOD SACRIFICES

• 
• 
• 
• 

I will offer You burnt sacrifices of fat animals, with the sweet aroma of rams; I will offer bulls with goats. (Selah) Psalm 66.15

In the Old Testament, it was customary for people to offer sacrifices to God, for they were aware that without the shedding of blood, there was no remission of sin (Leviticus 17.11). However, until the coming of Jesus, the blood of the animals offered to God did not take away sin, but covered it (Hebrews 10.4). As a result, everyone could live in peace. Through the redeeming work accomplished on the cross, the blood of the Son of God cleanses us from sin, preparing us to go to Heaven! (1 John 1.7)

The psalmist had made vows to the Lord and paid them in full. We have seen that this institute is sacred; therefore, it cannot be done in any way, nor with the intention of buying the divine blessings, because they are free. However, many people feel from God that they should make vows, and they do; others also feel it, but don´t do. No one sins by not doing them, but by not keeping them.

When Jacob was on his way to Padan-Aram to live there for a while, at his father’s command, he had a dream in which a ladder was placed from Earth to Heaven and God’s angels were ascending and descending it. He saw the Lord at the top of the ladder, saying that He would be with him in that journey. Then Jacob said: If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, [...]so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. [...]and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” (Genesis 28.20-22).

When he returned with his two wives, his children and a lot of livestock, he learned that Esau, his brother, who had sworn to kill him one day, was going to meet him with 400 men – and he feared. He left his family at a certain place, went back across the ford of Jabbok, and wrestled with God. The Lord was there in the form of an angel and asked him to let Him go, for the day was already breaking. Jacob would not let Him go until He blessed him (Genesis 32:22-32). Esau came and embraced him!

Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, because as a prince, he wrestled with God and prevailed. What he did may astonish you; after all, how does a man fight with the Lord and win? Well, a covenant levels the parties that united, and he fought to have the promised protection. Every revealed promise makes you privileged. If you accept the offer, in that matter you and God are in equal positions. The Father respects your rights!

When fighting for your blessing, pray as if you were a god, and God will respect you as such. The Word that proposed the covenant was addressed to you for exactly this reason: Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”? If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be annulled) (John 10.34,35). This is how Jacob behaved! Would you fight like that?

Offer the best of your flock, of the good things given by God, with the aroma of Christ, the Lamb who took away the sin of the world. Choose the most beautiful and valuable item, and offer it to the Lord. Today, it’s not the animals anymore, but whatever precious things you have will please the Lord. Never give the least valuable (Malachi 1.8)!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares