This week, we begin a new series titled Dead Man Walking, where we explore the believer’s call to be a living sacrifice, because though salvation is freely given through Christ, the Christian life is one of continual surrender, transformation, and yielding to the will of God.
In Leviticus 3, the Lord gave Moses instructions concerning offerings made on the altar. The sacrifice presented before Him had to be “without blemish or defect” (vs.1), pointing prophetically to Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb who became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 Peter 1:19). Because Christ was without fault, all who believe in Him are now presented holy and blameless in God’s sight (Ephesians 1:4 & Colossians 1:22). When the Father looks at us, He doesn’t count our trespasses against us, but sees us through the finished work of the cross (2 Corinthians 5:19). Yet, even under the law, God required more than the outward presentation of the sacrifice. The priests were instructed to burn the internal organs and all the fat connected to them upon the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord (vs.3-5), revealing that God was not just concerned with outward appearance, but with the inward parts. The same is true for us today: God is not only concerned with religious activity – He desires our hearts, thoughts, motives, ambitions, and character, so He can work a transformation in us into the perfect image of His dear Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29 & 2 Corinthians 3:18). However, many believers want the blessings of God without allowing Him to deal with the deeper issues within – pride, anger, selfishness, jealousy, unforgiveness, and many other patterns that do not reflect Christ. Yet these are often the very things God calls us to lay on the altar.
This is why Apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” This statement is profound, because a sacrifice is typically dead, yet God calls us to be living sacrifices. In other words, we must willingly remain on the altar, continually yielding ourselves to Him. Paul continues, saying, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (vs.2). This is God’s will for every believer: to be a living sacrifice transformed through surrender. The Christian life is not merely about receiving salvation and remaining the same, no! God desires change, and that requires yielding our will to His, laying down habits, desires, and comforts we would rather hold onto. We must yield control to God instead of insisting on our own way, and the Lord Jesus makes this call clear in Matthew 16, saying, “Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am … Self-sacrifice is the way, My way, to finding yourself, your true self“ (vs.24-25). True discipleship requires complete surrender, denying ourselves and trusting Him to lead, even when it is uncomfortable. Because while we often desire quick results, God is far more concerned with our growth and transformation. And as we allow His Word to correct and shape our patterns of thought, our lives begin to reflect Christ.
Saints, living as a sacrifice is not always comfortable. Sacrifice involves laying down something valuable in exchange for something more honourable. At times, God will require us to release attitudes, habits, and attachments that the flesh wants to hold on to. Yet, it is through this process that spiritual maturity is formed in us. The Apostle James reminds us that trials are part of the refining process, producing endurance and completeness. He urges, saying, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). Few believers are willing to embrace the processes through which we develop patience, endurance, and maturity. But as difficult as these seasons may be, they are not meant to destroy us; rather, they expose the areas where God is still working. So, church, let us allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and reveal what we still need to surrender to God. Let us willingly remain on the altar, trusting that God’s process is producing maturity, endurance, and Christlike character within us. Our lives are not our own – we were created for God’s purpose and pleasure. So let us daily choose surrender, and walk in obedience to His will.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, through whom we have been made holy and acceptable in Your sight. Teach us to present ourselves to You daily as a living sacrifice. Help us to surrender every attitude, desire, and pattern that does not honour You. Renew our minds through Your Word and give us grace to trust You in every season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
