Day 8: The Necessity of Sacrifice

Read
Leviticus 4:32-35

Think
I don't know why God required sacrifices and offerings were to be done in such a unique manner. All I know is that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). No, I don't think God was cruel for requiring animals to be killed as offerings to Him. He created them all and put us over them. I can only trust that He knew what He was doing. Jesus fulfilled the Law (i.e. sacrifices) when He died on the cross. There is now no Holy of Holies, there is now no temple veil, there is now no priest I have to go through to talk with God. All we have to do is accept Jesus' offering and follow His commands. God takes sin so seriously because it separates us from Him. He created us to be in relationship with Him and sin keeps that from happening. The sacrifices God looks for now are a "broken and contrite heart" (Psalm 51:17), confession (Psalm 38:18), and repentance (Acts 2:38).

Pray
Ask God to help you understand the severity of your own sin. Thank God that He sent Jesus, the Lamb of God, to come and be the sacrifice for your sins.

Live
Knowing that God has provided the ultimate sacrifice through His Son, Jesus, consider sharing this great truth with someone today. As your drive, walk, work, and relax, whisper under your breath, "Thank you, Jesus," each time you remember the sacrifice He made for your sins.