God has been looking to restore His name among the people. His intent has also been in changing and restoring His people!
Thus says the Lord God: “On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. Ezekiel 36:33
Thus says the Lord God: “I will also let the house of Israel inquire of Me to do this for them: I will increase their men like a flock. Like a flock offered as holy sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem on its feast days, so shall the ruined cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.”’” Ezekiel 36:37-38
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1
The Lord desires to rebuild the cities, wash His people from sin, and allow them to become His flock. He wasn’t looking for just any kind of flock but a flock that is a holy sacrifice to the Lord.
In a world that it is all about individual gain and achievement, becoming a holy sacrifice is antithetical to a culture of selfishness. If the main goals in life were personal gain and self-improvement, we should see happy individuals, strong marriages, low crime, and healthy children. However, the breakdown of every sphere of society is a reminder that selfishness does not win, and it eventually hardens people, erodes relationships, and breaks down society.
God revived His people and brought their dry bones back to life. However, in order for the people to remain alive, they have to be willing to be a living and holy sacrifice. The Lord gave us the solution to a full and fulfilling life. It is in giving that we receive, and it is in laying down our lives that the Lord gives us so much more than what we expect. The breath of God brings the dry bones back to life, and in becoming a holy sacrifice, we remain alive.
Becoming a holy and living sacrifice is not only our reasonable service, but it is also the only way we can remain truly alive! Any sacrifice on our part, cannot compare with the gift of salvation and the eternal life that Jesus bought for us. Furthermore, in our sacrifice others are touched, and we are blessed knowing that we are fulfilling our purpose. Selfishness keeps us isolated, but in becoming a holy sacrifice, it opens our lives up for God to shine through us and glorify His name!
Make a decision to be a living sacrifice this week. Be intentional and be willing to be inconvenienced. Suspend your fears for a week. Give of your time, attention, and heart to the Lord and others and watch how God will use it to glorify His name and bless others. We are His flock, and if we live as a holy sacrifice unto the Lord, our communities will change and the Lord is glorified!
