You Don't Have To Buy A Farm: Romans 11 & 12

I am so glad that I don't have to do sacrifices like in the Old Testament to cover my sins. Whew! They had to go through a lot to get forgiveness from their sins. First of all, I'd have to get a farm because I'd need a lot of animals. Of course I try to live without sin but my mouth, or even my thoughts, get me into trouble sometimes. So, I'd need to have lots of animals on my farm. Then of course those animals would want to eat each day. I grew up having to feed horses and cows, and let's just say that's not a mid day chore. I'd have to get up early to feed those animals. And then there's land. You can't just live in a planned neighborhood or an apartment if you have all those animals. I'd have to have a big piece of property and that would cost some money. And then there's the actual sacrificing issue. I know I'd have a hard time with that one! I mean, here's my cute little lamb that I raised and now we have to what? Oh, I wouldn't like that!

I'm so thankful to Jesus for being the ultimate sacrifice. I'm so thankful for grace and mercy through faith. When we compare the Old Testament way of getting forgiveness of sin with the New Testament way of getting forgiveness of sin, we see how easy the new way is. In Romans 12 Paul says we have to be "living sacrifices". That's sounds tough, but you know, He's not asking a lot of us. He want us to be nice to others, and ourselves. He wants us to hate what is evil. He wants us to remain faithful to Him. Romans 11 and 12 reminded me of what Jesus said when asked what was the most important commandment. Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

So now when someone is ugly to me, I'll try to smile and show forgiveness quickly. I'll try to love on them so they will see Jesus in me. But you can be sure in my mind I'm thinking, "I'm so glad I don't have to buy a farm to get some forgiveness. Showing love to others as a living sacrifice will do just fine for me!"

• What do you think about Romans 11 and 12?
• What ways can you offer yourself as a living sacrifice to Jesus?

Please post your comments or email them to me to stephieb@swbell.net and I'll post them for you.