God wants living sacrifices.
Deuteronomy 10:12-13, “And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
This question was addressed to Israel just before Moses stepped aside as their leader. It is a question that people are still asking themselves today. The answer to the question is the same for our generation as it was for Moses generation. Someone might ask, but I thought we were under grace and not law? That is true, but it is the ceremonial law that was done away with not the moral law. Jesus said, “I came to fulfill the law, not destroy it.” (Matthew 5:17) NIV. When we answer this question, we will know what God is going to expect of us when we stand before Him on judgment day.
The requirements mentioned in this passage are:
1. A reverent fear. The fear spoken of here is a loving trust. Like that of a child who loves his father so much that he does not want to displease him.
2. An obedient walk. “To walk in his ways.” By nature, man wants to go his own way, but God’s way is always best (psalm 18:30).
3. An affectionate heart, “to love him.” The question that was put to Peter on the sea shore was, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17).
4. A whole-hearted service: “to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Romans 12:1-2 explains the kind of service God wants. God does not want dead sacrifices, but living sacrifices.
When the late King Edward opened the new docks at Cardiff, the press reported the following reception: “Almost simultaneously with the entry of the Royal yacht at one of the steamers were hundreds of trimly-clad waifs and strays; on the other were many deaf and dumb children, on whose behalf a large banner conveyed a message to His Majesty in these simple but eloquent terms:” We cannot shout, we cannot sing, but we can love our gracious king!”