THE FIRST ACT OF NOAH
Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. Genesis 8:20
What was Noah’s reaction to mercy? The first moment his feet stepped off the ark, he built an altar and offered burnt offerings. It wasn’t like he had plenty of each kind of animal either. He had pairs of each, that’s all. Yet, he didn’t think twice at offering half of his food supply to the Lord in response to God’s salvation of him and his family. Mercy understood equals generosity expressed.
My offerings to God are a barometer of how much I believe God has been merciful to me. If I really understand that I’ve been snatched from the fire, won’t I give everything? Expressions like, “I can’t afford to give that much while times are hard!” will be obsolete. Especially in light of the fact that when we give, God promises us increased blessing!
The greatest thing I can lay on the altar is not a sacrifice for my sin. While Noah had to offer atonement for the sins of he and his family, Jesus came and laid on the altar for us. In response to such love and sacrifice, my offering to God is not the blood of an unblemished animal but my life.
I lay my life on the altar. Take it all. Not just a token act of service on a certain weekday. All of it, Lord. Your mercy, and your grace, came kicking down the door to rescue me. I know it and spend my life to show you my gratitude. Amen.
For more from Christine Wyrtzen and Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze, please visit www.daughtersofpromise.org
Originally published Wednesday, 06 April 2016.
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