Deuteronomy 12:6,7
“There you shall bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the contribution of your hand, your votive offerings, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock. “There also you and your households shall eat before the LORD your God, and rejoice in all your undertakings in which the LORD your God has blessed you
The Lord is describing what sacrifice looks like. It’s much different than what I would have imagined. I pictured a guilt ridden person approaching the altar and performing the difficult task of sacrifice. Then humbly backing away and going about his business.
The setting described above looks like a celebration. It looks like a family bbq. This makes sense. These sacrifices are a resetting of our relationship with God. This should be a time to rejoice. It’s a time to reconnect with the one who knows us best and loves us the most.
David had it right. He had a good understanding of The Lord. He was frequently rejoicing. The Psalms are full of it. He wasn’t intimidated by God. He knew God was for him and anticipated time with Him. Psalm 84:10 says, “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside…”
Do we see our time with God as joyful? As we go through our days are we encouraged when we think of Him? If not, we don’t have a proper understanding of Him. Like a child would be reassured by looking over his shoulder and seeing the parent walking a step behind, so God is with us. Not in a critical way, but in a supportive one.
Lord, help us to know You better. Help us to look forward our time with You.