Deuteronomy 17:1 “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.”

In the summer after sixth grade, I began working for my parents at our Dairy Queen. I worked every day except Sunday. I didn’t work a shift. I had a list. When I had completed my list, I was off. I was allowed to do this work at whatever time in the day I wanted. But I soon learned that ‘later’ was not a good time to do it. On days when I waited, I couldn’t really enjoy the day, knowing that work was calling. On days when I went early, I enjoyed the rest of the day much more! It just seemed better on every level!

In today’s passage, Moses is giving final instructions to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land and he reminds them about animal sacrifices. When they brought an offering, they were to bring a perfect one - no blemishes or defects. Why? Because they were presenting this to God. If they had some old broken down sheep that was basically good for nothing, that was not much of a gift and could hardly be called a sacrifice. No. They were to give their best to God.

How often people consider ‘later’ to be the best time to offer to God. They will begin following God later. They will make a decision for Christ later. But what that attitude displays is a feeling that “I will use the best parts of my life for myself and my desires. Whatever is old and used up, I will give to God.”

Don’t get me wrong, there are times when people truly come to God later in life and He accepts them. But should that be our plan? Is that giving our best? Does that reflect what God did? When mankind was utterly lost and without hope, God offered a sacrifice for sin - Jesus Christ, a spotless Lamb without blemish or defect.

He offers His best. Shouldn’t we do the same? Give to God everything today and get ready to enjoy the rest of your life much more! It will be better on every level!

 

Blessings,

Pastor Russ