Joy from Sacrifice

What brings joy to your life? We often hope for certain experiences or relationships that will bring joy. An amount of happiness comes in these ways. But, we're looking for something more… a rock-solid, enduring joy. Keep Reading...

​Leviticus 9:23-24 NIV - Moses and Aaron then went into the Tent of Meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for JOY and fell facedown. 

In the Old Testament we see a striking motivation for joy. The Israelites offered their sacrifices to God - their most prized and plump lambs. They gave the best of their flocks as an act of wholehearted worship.

God responded to their devoted worship. He revealed his glory to the Israelites by consuming all the sacrifices with fire. God was showing his people that he calls for worship and that he responds with great pleasure to their obedience.

The fact that God watches, listens and responds to us is stunning. The truth that we can relate to the Almighty One and sway his heart with our worship is thrilling. It is so thrilling that a shout of joy wells up from deep inside us.

Real joy comes from knowing that God responds to us. In any situation we can call out the pleasure of God through our obedience, through our sacrifice. Small moments of happiness will fade. But, to know the rich reward of hearing God's voice or seeing his glory revealed brings a current of joy like no other. Pursue this God with wholehearted worship and receive his joy.