The preparation of the offerings

The preparation of the offerings

Scripture: He said to me, “This is the place where the priests are to cook the guilt offering and the sin offering and bake the grain offering, to avoid bringing them into the outer court and consecrating the people.” Ezekiel 46:20

Observation: When the worshippers brought their offerings to God in the temple, they would be given to the priests. The priests would cut the animal sacrifices into parts and separate them. The grain offering would be baked. Ultimately, the final offering presented to God would look very different from the offering brought by the worshipper.

There is a wonderful lesson in this. When we bring an offering to the Lord, be it our work, our gifts, or simply our availability, we may be surprised when God takes it and transforms and changes it into something totally different. As the Scripture says “He is the potter, we are the clay”. It is God who works in us to form us according to His purposes and for His glory. Thus, when we need to be open when we come to Him as livings sacrifices and let Him change us or change our plans according to His perfect wisdom. At times, this can be challenging for us. Our pride and ego gets in the way, and we may be offended when our hard work is changed into something else. However, in the end, if we trust God, we will understand that all things work out according to His perfect purposes.

I was once led to write an article which I felt would be an excellent testimony to place in a Christian Magazine. I was disappointed when it was deemed not suitable. However, the article turned out to be very useful for a friend later who had prayed about it. It is our role to serve, to give according to how God leads us. It is for God to use our service when He sees fit.

Application: Pray and ask God to show us any area He has inspired us to serve in. Go forth and serve Him faithfully and humbly, leaving it to God to use when and where He sees fit.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when pride and anger blinded me when I felt my service, my offering was in vain. Help me have a humble heart, that serves You faithfully, and trusting You to use the service I give You as You know best. You alone are wise above all the earth, O Lord. May Your name be glorified always. In Jesus name, Amen