Of course, Christians no longer make sacrifices like the ones described in Ezra. Instead, Paul calls us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1), humbly serving the body of Christ in all that we do. In the letter to the Corinthians, he reminds us that our "bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God" (1 Cor. 6:19). Our bodies do not belong to us. Our work does not belong to us. Therefore, just as the Israelites did not fear the people around them when they offered their sacrifices, we are not afraid to honor and worship God every day as we go about our work.
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: How might God be calling you to be a living sacrifice in your daily activities? If you are in a place where you need encouragement that God is present in your work, think about moments of grace from the past week. If you are tempted to think of your workplace as a paragon of Christian virtue, ask God to give you a humble and honest perspective.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, in some ways passages like these about sacrifices and burnt offerings can seem very distant from our world of mobile phones and social media. First of all, we thank you that you are eternal and powerful, just as relevant to the Israelites of Ezra's day as you are to us.
Help us see you clearly in our work today. Forgive us, Lord, when we think more highly of ourselves that we ought to think. Give us an honest perspective of ourselves and our work. Encourage us by revealing yourself in small moments of grace throughout the day. May we pray today without ceasing and so be aware of your presence. Amen.
borrowed from "The Higher Calling"
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