A Thanksgiving sacrifice
Today’s Scripture: Leviticus 7:12
When I say the word “thanksgiving,” what comes to mind? Turkey and dressing? Pilgrims and Native Americans? A large family gathering?
That word conjures a lot of thoughts, but when we think of thanksgiving, I doubt very many of us think of the word “sacrifice.”
The very first time the word “thanksgiving” occurs in Scripture is in Leviticus 7:12. In this passage, God is giving Moses the requirements for different types of offerings when he mentions something called the thanksgiving sacrifice. This thanksgiving sacrifice was a type of peace offering that the Israelites would offer to God in appreciation for his deliverance.
In order to quantify their appreciation, the Israelites would make a sacrifice of four different types of bread along with the meat of an animal. Talk about a thanksgiving feast! But in this context, this meal was about sacrificial giving, not superficial gluttony.
Giving thanks involves more than just saying a couple of words. It involves sacrificing something.
What is God calling you to offer to him in appreciation for all he has done for you?
Today’s Prayer: Father, help me to offer up my whole life to you as a sacrifice of praise for all you have done.
