Lenten Reader | Day 17

The Old Testament is filled with blood animal sacrifices. That might sound cruel, harsh, and maybe a little weird. During the Old Testament times the people of God lived under what we call the Law. This would have been one of the rules to follow. We look back and think, “I'm glad we don't have to do that anymore,” because we live in New Testament time. We live after the perfect Sacrifice – Jesus. If you are in Christ, you will understand this means you have put full faith into the simple Gospel: that Jesus is the Son of God, He is 100% man and 100% God. He came down from heaven to live the perfect life, to take our place on the cross and be brutally beaten and killed. Then He was raised from the dead three days later, conquering sin and death. This is what we get to live from.

I argue though that we sometimes are no different than people of the Old Testament when we still think we live from the Law. We look at our week and say, “Look at what I did. I was so generous here, I didn't say the mean thing I wanted to say to this person, I worked hard with my blood sweat, and tears, I went to this churchy event, and I made sure to read my Bible and pray a few times this week.” Now, these things are good, but when we use them to get God’s favor they become like the Law. We look at these small earthly things and present them like animal sacrifices as enough to bring us before the Lord. We do not live in the freedom of what Jesus has already done for us.

Ask the Holy Spirit now what it is you bring before the Lord that is of your own doing. Repent and have your heart and mind postured to Jesus Christ knowing it is only because of Him we have hope in heaven. Only by His blood may we be with our Heavenly Father at His feet worshipping Him.

Luke Stalnaker