Is your sacrifice fit for a dog or fit for God?

"When you present a blind animal for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present a lame or sick animal, is it not wrong? Bring it to your Governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?" asks the Lord of Hosts. --Malachi 1:8

During Malachi’s time, God required believers to present Him with an animal sacrifice as atonement for their sins. God wanted the very best of the herds from His children, proving their submission to Him and evidencing their realization that everything they had already belonged to Him. Unfortunately, the people who lived at this time had lost sight of God; their worship had become religious monotony rather than a worshipful reverence or right relationship with God. Although laws were already in place that told them to feed attacked or injured animals to the dogs, they began offering these substandard sacrifices—their dog food— to God in place of an unblemished, unadulterated sacrifice. Rather than giving God their very best, the people simply gave Him that which they did not want for themselves. They gave God something that was undesirable, and we often do this in our own lives. We give God our leftovers; we give Him whatever money remains at the end of the month; we give Him whatever energy we still have after a long, hard week; we give Him whatever small amount of time we can spare after taking care of our family; we give Him whatever devotion remains after fulfilling our other responsibilities. We give Him less than the very best; we give Him an inferior, substandard sacrifice. What offering are you bringing to God? Is it your best? Are you teaching your children by example and holding them accountable for giving God their best? Is the very Sustainer and Breath of Life worth anything less?

GCA Invites You...

Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” At Glencoe Classical Academy, we strive to produce patriotic children who love both, America and its freedom. In addition, we endeavor to encourage the children to express true appreciation and support of American veterans and soldiers, and one way the students do this is through the Veterans’ Day Program every year.

Each year, the students at GCA give a musical presentation to honor America’s defenders and heroes. Even more so, the students show their dedication to glorifying God for His provisions and grace for America. The children work hard and fully commit themselves to performing at their best, but they do not do so for their own gratification; rather, they devote themselves for the glory of God and the tribute of all American veterans. As the children sing patriotic songs, their understanding of the true meaning of the lyrics is evident through the passion with which they sing and sign. They have a keen understanding of the sacrifices soldiers have made for our country because they have a great grasp of the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for all.

The students and staff of Glencoe Classical Academy invite you to join in honoring God and our veterans at this year’s Veterans’ Day program, Our Lord & Our Land. The program will take place this Wednesday, November 10 at 6:30pm. It is recommended that you arrive early because, in the past, there has been standing-room only. We pray that you will attend and show your support for both, the military of America and the ministry of the Academy.