Worship

I was reminded at church a couple days ago of King David's statement at Araunah's threshing floor: "I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."

I first remember hearing these words at a missions conference almost ten years ago. But sacrifice means something more to me now than it did then. Ten years ago, sacrifice meant adventure, travel, and new experiences. Now it means all those things, but it also means time away from family, foregoing career opportunities, and enduring the loss of the luxuries I've become accustomed to as an adult. So what am I sacrificing for? The message reminded me that it's not just about rescuing victims, although I certainly care about their welfare. It is also about God's worthiness of my worship. And because God is both just and loving, He has made clear (in Isaiah 58, for example) that His idea of worship involves breaking the chains of injustice and setting the oppressed free.

One expat coworker told me the other day that he hates this place with a passion. And yet he loves it. There is no place he'd rather be than right here, rescuing victims and seeking justice for them against their oppressors. I wonder if that's what Jesus felt when he came down to our dark world to set us free.