By: Juliet Constantine
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)
I love a clean space! Be it my house, car, Church, or wherever I may be - I just love when I am in a clean and well kept space. When I cleaned my house from ceiling to floor, it is so much lighter, I think clearer and I sleep better! I love a clean house, not just for Sabbath but for the entire week. Everything must be clean and in order. It makes chores on Preparation Day so much easier. It takes time, energy (a really sacrifice) to keep your space clean. But it pays. And to think Jesus’ expectation of us is similar: for us to keep our bodies ‘clean’ everyday!
The Earthly Sanctuary system was necessary before Jesus died; as it served to bring believers into a close relationship with God. As they brought their offerings, for thanksgiving, petition, forgiveness, dedication, restitution, etc., they looked forward to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, not just to bring an end to the Mosaic system but to empower them to remain clean and free from sin; and the sacrifice of bringing these offerings would be eliminated.
Even though Jesus’ sacrifice atoned for sin once and for all, there is still need for a daily sacrifice. Jesus encouraged us to daily take up our cross and follow Him. The Apostle Paul also told us to present our bodies as living, holy and acceptable sacrifice unto God. We are to offer our sacrifice (our bodies consecrated to God) in such a way that God will be pleased to dwell in us – His temple.
Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice to God is to dedicate our entire person to God - all of our being consecrated and set apart for holy use. As we imitate Christ, and live a consecrated life to His honor and glory, God will be pleased with our sacrifice and He will dwell in our temple. Time spent in studying God’s words and in sweet communion with Him through prayer, mingled with our daily ‘walk’ of living and sharing will constitute our reasonable service. We will be happy to offer ourselves for His cause in thankfulness for the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf.
Oh my Father and my God, I present my body, my entire being to You. I lay it all at Your feet. Use me for Your will. Help me to always keep my temple clean so that You can abide with me I pray, In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
