Fragrant Sacrifices and Offerings

"And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."  Ephesians 5:2

 

Tomorrow is LWML Sunday, a day when we celebrate the work of the Lord done through the ladies of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League.  The theme this year is "Fragrant Sacrifices and Offerings" based on Ephesians 5:2.  The theme this year leads us to focus on the One who enables the LWML and all Christians to walk together in love - Jesus Christ.

 

The imagery of fragrant offerings and sacrifices points back to the temple sacrifices of the Old Testament.  In Ephesians 5:2 Paul is writing about how Christ loved us so much that He offered Himself up as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world.  Jesus lived the perfect life we couldn't, died the death we deserve, and rose victorious from the grave so that we would have eternal life through His sacrifice.

 

Out of response for the love shown to us in Christ, and by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are enabled and equipped to walk in love and point others to the Savior.  As Christians, we live out our lives in service to our Lord.  As we do - others are shown the love that comes from Christ.  As our Lord says in Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

 

May all the work we do for the Lord serve to show others the goodness, mercy, and love of our Heavenly Father shown to us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!