Good Morning.
And if the burnt sacrifice of his offering to the Lord is of birds, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves or young pigeons. The priest shall bring it to the altar. (Leviticus 1:14-15)
Other than allowing for birds to used as an offering, it is interesting that all the other sacrifices that were allowed had to come from the herd or flock, meaning that only domestic animals were regarded as valid offerings. In other words, wild animals — which cost the person nothing — were excluded from being presented as a sacrifice. Obviously, God expected that if someone wished to approach Him, it should cost them something. Frankly, it is very clear in Scripture that if we are going to draw near unto Him and follow Messiah, it is bound to cost us everything.
When Abraham was called to leave Ur, and later Haran, he was told to leave country, family and his father’s house, in short, everything and everyone. If he had failed to do this, we have to assume that he would not have been able to fulfill his purpose and become the great man of faith that he was.Later, on Mount Moriah after showing a willingness to obey God to the fullest, the LORD said to him, “I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me” (Genesis 22:12).
The fact is, if we truly want to follow the Messiah the expectation is that we must be willing to follow Him all the way. We must be willing to “count the costs” and pick up our cross and follow the path He has ordained for us. Those who set their hand to the plow and then look back are “unfit for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). But all who are committed to pay the price — that is, our entire being — for His name’s sake, “shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29). Without a doubt that is a hefty price but the reward is well worth it — to approach Him and dwell with Him for all eternity.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments