By John Grimm
The best cattle, sheep, and turtle doves were the material for a burnt offering (Leviticus 1). The unblemished and best male was to be offered by the priests. The whole of the beast was to be burned, except for the entrails. Performing this sacrifice was a means of atonement with God. Nothing of the animal was eaten by the one who offered the burnt sacrifice. The aroma was said to be pleasing to the Lord.
We now know that Jesus Christ is the one by whom we have atonement. Jesus sets things right between us and God. We can only get to God through faith in Jesus Christ. We are thankful that bulls, rams, and turtle doves are no longer necessary to please God.
Yet we Christians call upon the Lord and say we have not heard from God. What are we keeping back in our faith? Are we keeping the best of who we are from God? Do we clamp onto our best and rely on our best to get us through troubles in this life? We may do such activities because we do not want to see our best completely burnt.
Trusting in chariots, horses, stock portfolios, trucks, job titles, or anything else, keeps us from placing our pride in the name of the Lord. It might be time to give up the things we trust. As we continue through Lent, our time is being spent learning to trust God. Maybe all we can do is trust God to protect us. Then we can be focused on God alone and trusting him.
God, we are still learning that we can trust you. It is not our belongings, no matter how wonderful they are, that can save us. It is by trusting Jesus that we rise and stand. May our possessions be as burnt sacrifices as we learn to depend upon you. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Methodist Life 
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