Lord Jesus Christ’s call for discipleship is: Deny self, embrace cross – death and receive eternal life. (Matthew 16:24-26) One who thinks, he is living or alive – in fact forfeits his soul. One who loses self for His Name’s sake, in fact gains eternal life. Christian life is Dying and Living simultaneously. Paul appeals to all believers ‘to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.’ (Romans 12:1) Self-denial, dying as a living sacrifice is acceptable as spiritual worship.
Dead animals? Sacrifices in the Old Testament were live animals that were cut, blood poured in the bottom of the altar and animals placed on the altar. Animals if placed alive could jump off and run or crawl away from the altar. However, Paul talks about ‘living sacrifice.’
Defiled animals: Animals that are defiled cannot be used in sacrifice. The sacrificial lambs are separated and raised according to protocol. Common lambs cannot be brought for sacrifice.
Defected animals: Animals that have defects cannot be brought for sacrifice. The lamb or animals should be without blemish – natural or caused by accidents.
Daily sacrifice: Lord Jesus called his disciples to die daily by taking up the cross. That means each day disciples have to voluntarily place themselves on the altar – the cross. In other words, crucified with Christ. (Galatians 2:20)
Dedicated: Living sacrifice requires Daily consecration of body, soul and spirit along with all things connected to life should be dedicated on the altar.
Delightful sacrifice: A disciple should delightfully do this. God is not delighted in the blood of bulls or lambs or goats. (Isaiah 1:11) God delights in broken spirit, contrite and broken heart. He will not despise such sacrifice. (Psalms 51:17)
Diligent Sacrifice: Living sacrifice means a lot of diligence. A dead animal on an altar has no temptations or troubles. However, a disciple has to be on the status of sacrifice like dead animals, though alive.
Do I worship the Lord by presenting myself as a living sacrifice?