Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. (Romans 12:1)
Usually, when I think about this passage, I think about presenting myself as a living sacrifice.
But it struck me that Jesus modelled that for us while he was on earth.
He didn’t just present himself to the Father as a sacrifice on the cross.
Even before he started his earthly ministry, moment to moment, day to day, he presented himself to the Father as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to him.
His love was never without hypocrisy.
He detested evil and clung to what is good.
He loved others deeply from the heart.
He served the Father, never lagging in diligence, always enthusiastic in spirit.
He rejoiced in hope, was patient in affliction, fervent in prayer.
He blessed and did not curse those who crucified him.
And by his death, he overcame evil with good.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your great love for me that sent you to the cross. Thank you for your mercies toward me that are new every morning.
So Lord, let me live moment to moment, day to day as you did, a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to the Father.