THE MYSTERY OF SACRIFICE II
1 Kings 3:3-14
In our previous study, we were told that sacrifice could be demanded by God or could be by personal volition. Here we see Solomon take the initiative to sacrifice unto God. By whatever standard it is measured a thousand burnt offerings is no mean feat. It is substantial. Remember, a burnt offering can range from cattle to ram to a dove or even measures of grain. Let’s assume it was cattle, imagine the cost of a cow today and multiply by a thousand; same goes with ram or dove or even grain. Now consider the time it would take to slaughter, skin and burn. Clearing the mess from the altar to make way for the next one would be a hard task. Yet Solomon did all this.
It was a high level of demonstration of love, dedication and devotion to God. Solomon loved the Lord and he sacrificed. It was not that he was prompted or that he wanted anything from God. He just did it out of love. When last did you give an offering just because you love God? A love offering or a love sacrifice is determined by you outside your regular offerings or project demands from the church. Solomon did this and God responded with an open check. In Gibeon, the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 1 King 3:5 .
What a great privilege. It was God himself that came to Solomon and said: Ask anything and I shall give you! Do you need divine visitations and such open check from God? You can follow the footsteps of Solomon. The Almighty is moved by love. He is love personified. When your heart is right before him and you offer sacrifices of love, he cannot but respond. This was not the only divine visitation Solomon had. During the dedication of the temple, Solomon made another set of sacrifices “and the glory of the LORD filled the house” (2 Chronicles 7:1). Do you want God’s glory in your life? Go by way of sacrifices. This time around, King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep” (2 chronicles 7:5).
That same night, the LORD appeared to Solomon by night and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place for an house of sacrifice…….if my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways , then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:12-14
God responds to sacrifices with answered prayers. If you have a knotty situation, you can offer a sacrifice to bring God into handling it. But mind you, your sacrifice is not a bribe but just a demonstration of your love and devotion. It is the latter that gives the sacrifice value anything before God.
PRAYER: May the Lord remember all my offerings and accept my sacrifices, Psalm 20:3
