“For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
Memory verse: “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Matthew 9:13
When I was growing up, the most regular songs I hear during offering at church were “we bring the sacrifice of praises into the house of the Lord…”, “my hands are blessed” and some other common ones which passes a message across. Many years down, I still hear these very often. Our offerings as sacrifices has therefore replaced the animal sacrifices offered in Leviticus chapters 1-7. Because of the love of Christ we no longer need to offer burnt offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings and the rest alike but remember that Jesus did not abolish the law so there are still some offerings we need to continue offering the Lord. “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17
Jesus shares with us a very interesting parable in Luke 10:25-37. Very interestingly the parable was said in response to a question “what shall I do to inherit eternal life”? and Jesus gave his response using that parable to analyse various individuals and their response to a particular man in need.
Despite having a position as a Priest and Levite, it was clear they lacked crucial understanding of what was actually important to God because they have been consumed by sacrifices but a Samaritan who was in no position of importance had more to give and so the Samaritan to Jesus was in position to inherit eternal life more than others with positions in the temple.
We have been given an assignment because some things don’t come naturally to everyone. Whiles some people may find it very easy to show mercy, to others it’s an area they need to work on and as part of our assignment as Christians, we are to learn how to show mercy.
The whole of Jesus’ ministry could be summarized as “Love” and not only did Christ show love when he was alive in flesh, He did till death and even after His resurrection, He still sits at the right hand of God interceding for us Romans 8:34.
God is more interested in how much mercy you dish out to others because Christianity is not about sacrifice but love.
PRAYERS
- Father I am grateful for your love and gift of eternal life
- Create in me a clean heart Lord and continually use me as a vessel unto honor
- I receive the grace to hold on to what’s important in the kingdom, to surrender all I am and all I have to you withholding nothing.
- Help me to remain in your presence, keep your temple clean and not deviate from the purpose for which you Lord have created me
- I am grateful for your kindness and for all you have done and are still doing for me
- Thank you for the grace to know you and the power of your resurrection
- Help me Lord to run the race till the end and not lose my crown.
- Forgive me Lord of all my iniquities, bless me abundantly and make me a blessing unto others, in Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen.
