Webster's New World Dictionary defines the word "Sacrifice" as: (1) "an offering, as of a life, or object, to a deity (2) "a giving up one thing for another." (3) "to sell at less than the supposed value."
Here is a vital question that all of us as Christians should answer honestly: What does God desire of us? To say it more strictly: What does God expect of us? The answer that I would give, is that God wants us to love Him deeply, and totally.
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:5)
The burnt offerings were given as an act of worship to God. The complete destruction of the animal, was a symbol of the giving of one self to honor God, and to make atonement for sin.
The prophet Hosea speaks on behalf of God, and expresses His dissatisfaction with Israel's burnt offerings, as sacrifices given to the Lord. They lacked meaning, because while they performed these acts of sacrifice, the hearts of the people had turned away from God. True love, directed towards God, is in the giving up of our lives, to live, and to serve Him completely.
It is saying "NO" to the world, and saying "YES" to the Lord.
Whatever actions that involves, it is what God desires, and yes, what He expects of us! GP
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