Hebrews Chapter 10: Verses 8-9 (NIV)
First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second.
The writer of the letter to the Hebrews is reminding the readers here that God was not interested in the people going through the motions and making sacrifices, because so often the sacrifice did not reflect the attitude of those making them. Jesus was different He came to be a sacrifice for our sins, and to live according to God’s will. That’s why His sacrifice on our behalf was acceptable.
We may not make sacrifices the same way as they did in ancient times, but we may offer a different kind of sacrifice by offering to do things for God – that may be time, effort or finance. But the most important thing is – what is it that God wants from us – He wants us to be obedient. I know we are heading up towards Christmas, but actually, I am reminded that lent is a prime example of this. We may choose to give up the things we enjoy over Lent – chocolate, biscuits, maybe wine. But if we do that and then carry on doing the things, we know that we shouldn’t – if we lose our temper, if we ignore the pull of God upon our lives. If we choose to live just to please ourselves rather than God, then all our own efforts during lent are a waste of time. God just wants us to pay attention and to do what He asks. That’s quite basic really, but that’s what will make Him happy. He’s not interested in the things that we offer as a substitute.
Dear Lord,
I know You want us to do Your will for us. I also know that its sometimes hard to. That’s where the real sacrifice comes in, when I make the decision to do what You want instead of what I want. Give me the desire to be obedient I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.