Most Loveable Lord, You have told me in Your Word that it is not my sacrifices and burnt offerings that you desire, but my obedience and willingness to do Your will. I was a little taken back when I read this because throughout the Old Testament You instructed Your people how to make sacrificial offering, trespass offerings, peace offerings, burnt offerings, etc. Then in the New Testament, You sent Your Son to be a sacrificial offering for my sins … so, I wondered why You did not want me to offer up sacrificial offerings to You any longer. Then it dawned on me that obedience involves a sacrifice which produces a positive output … that’s exactly what You want from me. After all, wasn’t that what You were really seeking in the Old Testament? Something given for something gained … existing life given up for newness of life … surrender for forgiveness … self for selflessness?
You offered Yourself as the perfect sacrifice to save me. What You do not desire are any more sacrifices for sin … what you ask is obedience so I do not sin. You ask me to give up my will in order to accept Your will. If I do, I can win the battle with my flesh by following the guidance offered by the Holy Spirit. I’ve come to understand that when I obey someone, I become their slave. Therefore, becoming a slave to sin leads me to eternal death, while following You leads to an overcoming life. In the past, I lived under fear and worry but, by Your cross, I have found hope and joy. Through Your example, I have learned that sacrifice is necessary to attain my goals. You suffered pain and agony to achieve Your goal … why would I expect it to be different for me? You learned obedience by what You suffered so that You could become my source of strength. Because of Your death on the cross, I’ve been endued with Your power.
In order to be obedient, I must be willing to listen. Through the wisdom of the Scriptures, the small sweet voice from within and other faithful believers, I am taught how to submit to Your will. I must remain aware of things going on around me because it may be an event, something that happens in a church service or something I hear people talking about that draw me into communication with You. I need to take time and let what You tell me percolate into my mind and spirit. To listen requires me to use my eyes, ears and senses to guide me in linking my will to Yours. I must not only open myself to things I want to hear, but things I need to hear. To accept criticism is an important part of listening and learning, so I must remain open to Your correction. You were successful in saving me by listening and obeying Your Father … I want to do the same for You. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to my words and so deceive yourselves. Do what I say.