Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Day 77: Give it All

Day 77
Leviticus 23-24; Matthew 27:32-66

As we read about the various celebrations and festivals that took place among the Israelite people, we see a pattern in how they were instructed to give their first fruits, best sacrifices and Sabbath days to their God. The priority of bringing their best to Him is honestly a refreshing concept as we live in a day in age that likes to take the best for themselves before they give anything, if anything, to others, let alone to the Lord.

But, as you can probably gather here, we serve a jealous God, that demands the first, the best, the priority in everything we do. We can not have divided loyalties when we come before Him with pure hearts. Nothing in this world can do for us what He did for us, however, as you read today in our Matthew passage.

Jesus suffered utter torment on our behalf. Like the individual who was stoned in our Leviticus reading, He was also isolated, but from His Father, as He called out "My God, My God, why have You abandoned me?" Sin in the Old Testament times caused a person to be cut off from the community, whether it was for a few days or forever. Jesus did this as He took our sin on the cross. He bore that burden for us. As He died, the veil that separated us from His presence (as custom in the tabernacle) was torn in two, allowing a way for us to personally interact and grow in God. Jesus gave us this gift and made it so we don't have to face this world alone.

Jesus gave it all for us. We are to bring our best for Him. When we say "yes" to allowing Christ to rule in our lives, that is a "yes" to embedding Him in every single area of it. This is hard to do, but so freeing when you do. What part do you need to give to Him fully? Bring Him the first of your day, your earnings, your trust, your relationships, your everything. Give it all. 

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