Read Leviticus 22:17-33
It’s as if the precepts for sacrificial animals in this passage jump through time and help us appreciate the perfect sacrifice Jesus represents for us. He was certainly without defect because he never sinned.
What does God’s desire for perfection say about the value of the gift, the recipient, or the giver? Certainly, an animal without blemish would be more valuable in a monetary sense, but God (the recipient) looks at the heart of the giver. God doesn’t want our cast offs or leftovers. Such would be insulting, showing an utter disrespect for God.
This passage speaks to the priests and people of the day when sacrifices were the way people atoned for their sin and drew closer to God. How does it speak to us? Are you giving God less than your “best” these days?
Striving to be perfect will leave us exhausted. Let’s focus instead on the words of Romans 12:1-2 for our action steps. Paul writes, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” This speaks of sacrifice and perfection. We sacrifice ourselves and then God reveals his perfect will for us.
It’s not about trying to fit into the world’s standards or expectations. Being “politically correct” is not what we are called to be. We need to be open to letting God transform us. God is the audience that matters in terms of our acceptance. We want to be found acceptable in God’s eyes.
Our feeble attempt will always fall short. But as God told Moses, he could just as well tell us. “I am the Lord who makes you holy.” I suppose it’s part of that “transformation” Paul was talking about. Our efforts may affirm our intentions, but it will always be God who brings the holiness.
I’ll ask again. Are you giving God less than your “best” these days?
Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me for falling short of your perfect will for my life. I know I am flawed but grateful for your mercy. Forgive me for each misstep I have made taking me further from you. I choose to follow you and offer myself as a living sacrifice. Use me, Lord. Transform me, Lord. Help me to let your light shine through me. Fill my mouth with the words you want me to say. Now, still my heart so I can hear from you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
