Main Verse: Romans 11:33 – 12:2
Good morning!
In the Old Testament the kings, elders, and priests would pledge themselves and the people to serve the Lord, obey the Lord’s laws, and commit themselves to serve the Lord only; unfortunately, the vow was good until the king, the elders, and priests passed away then the people would follow the gods of the nations that surrounded them (Case of Josiah 2 Kings 23). When you compare the lives of Kings David, Hezekiah, and Josiah to the kings that rebelled against the Lord, you will notice how the kingdoms crumbled and the people languished under the “usury payment” and the destruction of the beautiful temple when the wicked kings rose to power (Case of Josiah compared to Manasseh 2 Kings 23-24); when wickedness became a way of life in Israel, all of the animal sacrifices, bowing down to the Temple in prayer or petition, and portraying themselves “God’s chosen people” (Deuteronomy 7:6-12) would not be enough to sway God’s mind (2 Kings 22:16-20). Choosing to offer our lives as a “Living Sacrifice” is the most personal choice we ever make because, unlike animal sacrifices, choosing to honor the Lord’s laws and commandments is between you and the Lord.
In our churches, just as it was in the first and second temple periods, the Pastor(s) and the elders design laws and covenants by which a church operates which includes, the church’s theological stance. However, all of the best wording and flowery verses will never lead the people close to the Lord; the only thing that will ever lead people closer to the Lord is when the leadership personally commit themselves to be a living sacrifice not for show and tell but as a private and earnest covenant with the Lord. My encouragement today is, for you to enter a covenant relationship with the Lord to honor him with your life. God has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:1-9).
I.H.S.
MK
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