The ancient people worshiped God by animal sacrifices. Some of Israel’s prophets said that these sacrifices were not really what God was wanting after all (Micah 6:6-8; Isaiah 1:1-20; Jeremiah 7:22-23; Amos 5:20-24; Psalm 40:6-8); the prophets said that He was wanting His people to practice mercy, justice, and obedience instead. Jesus did away with animal sacrifices once and for all (Hebrews 10:1-14); He came to do God’s will. Jesus died as a sacrifice for us. Now we are called on to be living sacrifices for Him. This involves doing the will of God by kindness, mercy, justice and obedience. This being a living sacrifice is our real worship.
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1 (NASB)
