Everyday sacrifices

Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings EXACTLY like the pattern I will show you. –Exodus 25:8-9 (NIV)

I have been reading in Exodus where God gave Moses instructions for how the Israelites were to approach worship. I had a few reactions to how specific and detailed God was in regard to the materials, the dimensions, the construction, the furniture, the clothing, the schedule, the methods, and the procedures surrounding what He wanted His worship to be. My first reaction was to be glad not to have lived during that era. Not gonna lie – it was a bit tedious to read the instructions; I can’t imagine trying to execute them!

My next reaction was to wonder why God went into such detail. Why did it matter? As I thought through that, it occurred to me that YHWH is, after all, GOD. He is sovereign; He certainly has the authority to command and expect whatever He wants. While that is true, I couldn’t help thinking there had to be more. God has no need for human affirmation – He is God whether we worship or not.

This is what you are to offer on the altar REGULARLY – EACH DAY:
two lambs a year old. Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight. –Exodus 29:38-39 (NIV)

Then I thought: What if the regulations were not for Him? The heart of God is love toward His people, and people are forgetful. The detailed specifications would be a reminder to Israel that they served a holy God. Worship was not to be a chore to endure, nor a casual afterthought, but a deliberate, purposeful action to acknowledge Who God is and remind them they were His.

What are the implications for us? The methods and particulars around worship have changed drastically from the days when the Jews brought their animals to be slaughtered for sacrifice. But God has not changed. He is still worthy. He still wants the attentiveness, care, and yes, reverence in our worship that He expected from Israel. Each element He commanded for them pointed to a relevant facet of the new covenant. The heart of worship has always been identity and the heart that knows its true identity cannot help but worship.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. –Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

As I continue to work through this section of Scripture, I find myself drawn to the words of Romans 12. All of life is worship for those who are in Christ. Everything I do becomes both remembrance and celebration: I belong to and am well-loved by the Holy God of the universe. He calls me His son, and I am privileged to call Him Father.