Acceptable Sacrifice

Thought for Today - December 23, 2022 Acceptable Sacrifice

 By: Robert A. Searles

 “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.” Psalm 107: 21, 22 

. “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.” Psalm 69: 30, 31 

 An ox or a bullock offered upon an altar as a sacrifice to God is something that can be seen and touched, and something that seems to be real in the earthly sphere of things, and it is probably quite costly to the owner or the person offering it; however, God has said that he values more highly than the ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs, the praise and gratitude from the heart of his people.

 God said that love is the more perfect way.; Good works, good deeds, good morals, sacrifice, all these things that man can offer up to God are abominations, and a stench in God's nostrils unless they are genuinely motivated by love and praise and thanksgiving.

 Just to be talking about God, and to be doing things that pertain to God, and to be all wrapped up in some service for him in the name of God, is not enough by itself.

 Martha was busy about many things, she was so wrapped up in doing things, that she had little time for the Lord himself. Jesus did not say that Martha was completely wrong in doing, but he did say that Mary had chosen the better part. What was the better part? The better part was to sit at his feet and worship him, and listen to his teaching, and love him and show her gratitude, praise, and thanksgiving, by washing his feet with her hair. 

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