“Gather My saints together to Me, Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.” -Psalms 50:5 (NKJV)
Simply defined, a biblical sacrifice is offering something precious and costly to God. It is forgoing or surrendering something for the simple reason of wanting to please God and doing His will. It is giving up some benefits, pleasure and privileges in order to attain something better.
The Bible is replete of people who made sacrifices to God. Enoch paid the price of habitual, close intimacy with God and he was raptured even before the forthcoming rapture was ever mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 5:24). David offered praises to God always when convenient and inconvenient, and God testified of him and honored him by making him an eternal dynasty (Jeremiah 33:19-22). Apostle Paul surrendered all, his pedigree, his Judaism position, his accomplishments, etc that he might gain Christ, and power was released to him (Philippians 3:7-10). Elisha gave up his lucrative family business for ministry sake, became Elijah’s servant and at his death, the anointing in his bones resurrected a dead man (1 Kings 19:19-21). The old lady named Anna was always in the temple in Jerusalem where she served God daily and nightly in fastings and prayers, and the result was that she saw Jesus before she died (Luke 2:36-38). Pastor Adeboye of the RCCG gave all his retirement benefits as a college professor to ministry work when he was called to full time ministry, the result is a worldwide impactful ministry. The Holy Ghost congresses which he hosts have the largest single congregation in the world today. Jesus left His glory in Heaven, chose to become a man, died for mankind, made Himself of no reputation, and He was lifted and giving a name above all names as a result. He also offered mankind the antidote for the complex issue of sin. The following are some truths worthy of note about making sacrifices to God:
Sacrifices though costly is a free will offering: God is fascinated by a cheerful giver. Jesus wasn't compelled to offer Himself as sacrifice for mankind. He willingly laid down His life. Abraham offered Isaac willingly and not because he was coerced. Peter and the apostles left all to follow Jesus willingly. For a sacrifice to be acceptable, it has to be willingly offered. Yes, God make demands on His people, but He wants His people to willingly surrender and give up.
Sacrifices commit God and release His power: The anchor scripture above talks about saints who cut covenant with God by their sacrifice. A covenant simply defined is God’s promises backed by an oath. After God made promises to Abraham, he further went ahead to swear to Abraham after he attempted to sacrifice Isaac, his son (Genesis 22:15-18). He made him the father of nations through whom the nations of the earth will be blessed. The new covenant of grace was signed, sealed and delivered to mankind because of the sacrifice of Calvary. A worthy sacrifice offered in faith to God will always provoke Him to commit irrevocably to the person who made the sacrifice.
Sacrifices release the next level or season: God Almighty is the controller of times and seasons. He determines when a season ends and a new one occurs. A new season started for Solomon when he sacrificed a thousand cows as burnt offering to God. In order to enter a new season of life, to make a sacrifice is imperative. Many experience delays in season because they aren't willing to make any sacrifices. God loves revolutionaries and risk takers who will risk all for Him. To go up with God, you have to give up.
Conclusion: Believers of nowadays know little or nothing about sacrifice. This is why the church seems to be powerless. What is God asking you to surrender for His cause and His Kingdom? What is that precious thing God is asking you to give up? Though it may be big deal to you, but it will result into blessings unimaginable and unfathomable for you and your offspring. The new covenant of grace in Christ didn’t obliterate making sacrifices to God.
Have a blessed new month in Jesus name.
Ade(Gboyega) Esan
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