THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 12:1-2
“In view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice.” (Romans 12:1)
A sinful woman washes Jesus’ feet with costly perfume and tears (Luke 7:36-50).
This woman is a sinner (prostitute?), perfume was for her work, a huge sacrifice.
Knowing how Jesus treated sinful women (John 8), this woman was overwhelmed.
She is overwhelmed by Jesus; no one else treated her as a precious, valuable person.
In view of this mercy, she offers herself to Jesus, a living sacrifice motivated by love.
Why do I follow Jesus, why do I serve Jesus, why do I strive to be like Jesus?
The right answer, according to Paul, is “in view of God’s mercy!”
BECAUSE He loves you, because He has forgiven you and accepted you, offer yourself to Him.
We do not need to pacify God’s anger, we do not need to prove ourselves to God.
His love and mercy and acceptance are a free gift, undeserved yet unreserved!
The key to thankful living is knowing deeply how much God has sacrificed for us.
Until we realize the seriousness of our sin, and the depth of His love, we won’t get it.
Loving God in response to His love for us is the heart of faith, of worship, of obedience.
Check your motivation, what drives your Christian walk?
Are you loving God with extravagance, or with reluctance?
Is there a fire in my heart to pour my heart and life out on His feet, with my loving tears?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, transform my mind and life with Your love, that my life will be a daily sacrifice of joyful, thankful love for You!