REAL WORSHIP IS...(Part Four)

REAL WORSHIP IS SACRIFICIAL

 The drama continues in Genesis 22 as Abraham sets out from his servants with only his son Isaac, the child of promise (verses 5-8).  For three days it must have weighed heavy on Abraham's mind that this time his worship of the the Lord would cost him dearly.  However, Abraham does not wavier in his faith but gathers what he needs to proceed to do what the Lord has directed.  Abraham is willing to sacrifice the very thing that was nearest and dearest to his heart.  Could it be that Abraham's faith was so strong because he actually believed that God could raise the dead?  Isaac was the child of promise and if he is killed in a sacrifice then the promise can only be fulfilled if he believes God could raise the dead.  (See Hebrews 11:19)

Genuine worship is costly because by its nature it requires sacrifices.  Sacrifice of time, personal pleasures, finances, selfish desires, resources & one of the greatest things one can sacrifice is pride.  Any or all of theses need to be placed on the altar of sacrifice before the Lord.  Perhaps this is why so few truly worship since it is not cheap.  Genuine and sincere worship necessitates that everything of value be sacrificed and given to the Lord.  

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, b the mercies of God, to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."   -Romans 12:1 (ESV)