You shall not sacrifice to the Lord your God a bull or sheep which has any blemish or defect, for that is an abomination to the Lord your God.
Deuteronomy 17:1
God’s love moved Him to sacrifice that which meant the most to Him—His only Son. Our response,if we truly understand His love for us, is the desire to give back toGod that which means the most to us. The Old Testament reveals thatGod set forth high standards for the sacrifices He required of Hispeople. A worthy sacrifice had to cost the people something. As theirhearts shifted away from God, the people began struggling to give Godcostly offerings. They would bring blind, lame, and sick animals,assuming God could not tell the difference (Mal. 1:8). God saw whatthey were doing and declared their offerings to be in vain (Mal.1:10).
Throughout the Old Testament period, God was setting the stagefor the ultimate, perfect, and sinless sacrifice of His Son for thesins of humanity. The offerings we give back to God reveal our hearts’condition. A heart that overflows with gratitude for God’s love willrespond in selfless devotion. If we are unwilling to sacrifice ourtime, our possessions, our money, or our energy, we indicate that wedo not love God as He desires. God takes delight in the person whogives to Him cheerfully out of a loving heart, a person whounderstands that God is the source of everything he has and who knowsthat God will more than compensate for whatever is sacrificed for Him(2 Cor. 9:8). If you struggle in giving your best offerings to God,pause and reflect on what God sacrificed for you. Trust Him and giveHim the best that you have because you love Him with all your heart.
