Worship that leads us into missional service is the goal for believers. Worship is really coming into oneness in Christ through adoration and devotion; yet, worship alone is only part of our purpose while on earth. If believers are reborn and renewed by the Spirit in the image of Christ, we are going to need to understand the essential connection between the two. Mission is the believer’s action of helping others see and experience the love, compassion, and rescue of Jesus for the world. Christians [Christ-followers] are known by their holy love for God and neighbor [everyone else].
In our passage today, Dr. Luke wants us to understand our worship must come from a pure heart filled with love for God and others. Christ offered himself to God as a sacrifice for the world. In Christ, God has rescued us from an empty self-serving life. We are now invited to love God wholeheartedly and love our neighbors as we love ourselves; this demonstrates our desire to embrace holy works that brings salvation to the world and glory to our Lord. In this way we are being made holy and set apart for God’s purposes.
In his epistles, the Apostle Paul teaches those who are becoming holy have become “living sacrifices” (Ro 12:1). So, remember today you are called to be a “living sacrifice” for Jesus the Living Lord! Your will in exchange for God’s will; love calls for a sacrifice. Grace and blessings for your journey in Christ’s love, today!
Luke 10:10-18 NLT
10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.
11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says,
16
“This is the new covenant I will make
with my people on that day, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.”
17 Then he says,
“I will never again remember
their sins and lawless deeds.”
18 And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the new covenant that no longer requires animal sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. You became the only blood sacrifice needed; now we simply sacrifice our wills, so we can live for you and your purpose to save the world. We offer ourselves to you and the work of grace. Please continue to make us a holy people motivated by pure love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.