Genesis 46:1-2 (KJV)
And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.
Jacob, known as Israel, stands at a significant crossroads in his life. He is about to journey to Egypt with his family, a move that will ultimately lead to their emergence as a great nation. Before setting off, Jacob takes a moment at Beersheba to worship God and earnestly seek His guidance, offering sacrifices in the same sacred place where Abraham and Isaac once did. This powerful act of faith and obedience illustrates Jacob’s profound trust in God, even amidst the uncertainties that lie ahead. In response, God graciously identifies Himself as El Shaddai, the God of all-sufficiency, emphasizing His unwavering support throughout Jacob’s family history. God reassures Jacob that his descendants will return to the Promised Land as a mighty nation, precisely as He had promised in Genesis 28. Jacob embarks on his journey to Egypt with the assurance of God’s protection over his family, confident that they will thrive and fulfill their destiny. Throughout this pivotal time, Jacob’s commitment to seeking God’s will and offering sacrifices demonstrates the paramount importance of prayer and divine guidance in our life decisions. Just like Jacob, we often face moments of uncertainty in our lives. In these moments, our faith is tested and strengthened, and as we offer sacrifices to God, He will visit us with guidance.
Sacrifice holds incredible power, as evidenced by cases where people offered sacrifices, and God moved in their favor. The act of sacrifice is an integral component of the Christian faith. A sacrifice holds genuine meaning only when it entails giving up something of personal importance. 1 Kings 3:4-5 says, “And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.” Solomon’s offerings were powerful expressions of his deep desire to honor and seek guidance from the Almighty. When God appeared to Solomon in a dream and presented him with the opportunity to ask for anything, it underscores God’s eagerness to bless and guide those who earnestly seek Him. The willingness to make sacrifices, even when there are pressures to focus on our desires, brings joy to our heavenly Father as His children endeavor to act according to His will. The act of sacrifice serves as a catalyst for significant and unexpected positive changes in life. Committing to sacrifice can invoke divine intervention when faced with challenging circumstances influenced by malevolent forces. Individuals who demonstrate unwavering commitment to sacrifice and obedience consistently draw God’s attention. The altar of sacrifice is where divine visitations occur, and a lifestyle of sacrifice can enable us to perceive the voice of God.
Beloved, cultivate a heart of sacrifice, for every opportunity to sacrifice is an opportunity for divine visitation. Make up your mind to live a sacrificial life and trust in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear, for it can bring you peace and assurance. When you demonstrate sacrificial behavior, you embody intense passion and relentless drive; you are an unstoppable force in perpetual motion. When you are ready to progress to a higher level in life and destiny, sacrifice can give you a fresh start. To unlock this blessing in your life, you must be prepared to lead a life of sacrifice. While it may not always be convenient, when you consider the benevolence of God in your life, your sacrifice becomes an inherent response. Consistently offer sacrifices to invite divine intervention in order to achieve destiny. Your sacrifices have the ability to communicate on your behalf at all times. Sacrifices can eliminate delays, end enduring struggles, dismantle obstacles, overcome strongholds, and break the cycle of poverty. This exemplifies the potency and enigma of sacrifices. Do not settle for an affordable or convenient alternative; make the necessary sacrifice to achieve your desired breakthrough. Making the essential sacrifice will undoubtedly lead to fulfilling your destiny and the satisfaction you seek. Remember, your sacrifice glorifies God and serves as tangible evidence to Him of your faith in Christ.
O, LORD, I ask for the grace to live a sacrificial life. Help me to sacrifice entirely and always in Jesus’ Name.