Sacred Gifts

S

(Matthew 23:19, 20) You blind men! For which is greater, the gift of the altar that makes the gift sacred? So whoever swears by the altar swears by everything on it.

O

These lost guides scrambled after the wrong goals: they believed their works and sacrifices were the precious commodities of spirituality. They were wrong. The altar represented God's justice and mercy, which made opportunities for them to eliminate their "gifts" of their excessive securities and back-breaking sins. Similarly, the temple represented a place to gather with God and His throne represented His universal government . . . each piece teachings about the character of God, who is Love.

A

As much as I'm aware of my sacrifices in life, and more specifically in my service for the advance of my Savior's Kingdom, my sacrifices of praise and thankfulness are most accurate and refreshing when they're focused on the cross. There, Jesus made life available to me. And, as Jesus said, behind that altar is the presence and power of the Living God.

P

Lord, how small I feel within the span of Your history of people, Your government of the universe, Your glory. Yet that very smallness encourages me, too. How amazing is Your love, then, that You would pay so dearly to manage all my needs.  I am humbled by Your attention and glorified by Your grace. What kind love this is that You would make me sacred to You!