Jan 13
19
Our Best is Worthy of Death
(1 Samuel 15:15) “And Saul said, … the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed … (1 Samuel 15:33) And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.”
The only sacrifice which the Lord God will accept, is that which He provides. The best that sinful man can offer in any shape, form or fashion is detestable in God’s sight and will not be accepted by Him. Sinful man can only offer that which is just as he is; sinful and unworthy of the infinite and holy God.
Saul in brazen disobedience attempted to offer to God that which God had refused and condemned to death. The inevitable consequence of his irreverent and blasphemous act was death. The best of our storehouse of offerings acquired by our own doings is rotten and vile – “… We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isa 64:6).
Our best compared to Christ our Lord and His sacrifice is repugnant and a stench in the nostrils of God. However, the sacrifice of Christ is a sweet smelling savor unto God – “ … as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” (Ephesians 5:2). Those that offer the works of their own hands unto God for acceptance will be hewn to pieces by God Almighty in His anger and wrath and suffer eternal damnation for their effort.
Those who come to God by His efficacious grace pleading the blood and righteousness of Christ alone for acceptance will eternally live in His presence enjoying the Light of His love and countenance, being fully and completely accepted before God in Him.
Remember, the best Abraham had to offer was Isaac his only son. This was not good enough … “Abraham said, My son, God will provide Himself a Lamb …” (Genesis 22:8). This he said before they ever arrived at the appointed place of sacrifice. The object of Abraham’s God given faith was THE LAMB OF GOD’S PROMISE, not his own offering!-Tommy Robbins