January 08: Genesis 22:9 - Your Body, A Living Sacrifice (Today's Reflection from My Utmost For His Highest)

Daily Bible Verse: Genesis 22:9 (NLT)

"When they arrived at the place where God had told Abraham to go, he built an altar and placed the wood on it. Then he tied Isaac up and laid him on the altar over the wood."

I still remember the first time I read this passage, it was very disturbing. But then I continued reading.

An angel called out to Abraham and stopped him from sacrificing Isaac, his son. Abraham soon discovered a ram nearby with his horn caught in a bush.
God provided the sacrifice.
Yet, like Abraham, we often equate sacrifice with death. Even Peter felt this way.

Luke 22:33 (NLT)

Peter said, "Lord, I am ready to go to prison with You, and even to die with You."

But in this passage God is not calling for our physical death.
After accepting Christ as our Savior...we are asked to give up things but only so we might have abundant life in Christ. The Holy Spirit cannot thrive surrounded by unholy things. Isn't it worth it to have Him in our lives instead?
We are asked to identify with the death of Christ.
Then we are asked to sacrifice our lives - by dying to self.
This is a difficult thing, but Paul is such a good teacher.

Magnolia bloom's rippling reflection in water

Romans 12:1 (NLT)

"And so, dear Christian friends, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind He will accept. When you think of what He has done for you, is this too much to ask?"

And our answer is: No, Lord, it is the very least we can do.

Prayer

Father, we come to You humbled by Your death for us.

By Your indwelling Holy Spirit we are made holy and sanctified.

We surrender our bodies to You.

Mold us into something You can use.

Discipline us because You love us.

Refine and polish us until we shine.

We give You praise, honor and glory.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

White flower petals covered in drops of water.

Benediction:

As He refines us, we continue the journey, going forward in His promise, walking boldly in His truth, and resting in His peace.
Jesus,
The Quill and Me

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