Romans 12:1a Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—
My morning began super early (4:45am to be exact) because my youngest needed, essentially, a favor that only I could provide. I didn’t love getting up so early, and I had to push back my prayer and devo time, but I gladly did it because he’s my child, I love him, and I knew it was something only I could do that would benefit him tremendously. It was a sacrifice, albeit a small one, but I did it gladly so that my child could benefit.
Romans 12:1b …this is your true and proper worship.
I was most of the way through a five hour car trip today when it hit me that Jesus–Emmanuel, God with us–did the same thing on a much grander scale than I am capable of. He gladly did something only He could do for His children, because we are His, because only His sacrifice would accomplish the goal of eternal life with Him, because we would benefit tremendously from His sacrifice. He loves us. He did it willingly.
Romans 12:2a Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Precious Savior, Thank You for understanding that I am not equating Your eternal sacrifice with my tiny, earthly one. Yet thank You for using my small, yet willing sacrifice for my child to remind me of Your life-changing sacrifice for me, Your beloved child. I am grateful beyond words for Your loving care. Amen.
Romans 12:2b Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Have a blessed day.