Sacrificial Victim

“Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy... and not sacrifice and sacrificial victims.”  (Matt. 9:13 AMP)

What is a sacrificial victim?

A sacrificial victim is a person who is ritually killed with the intention of propitiating or pleasing a deity.  In other words, killing in the name of (our) idols.

What this means is that God is interested in mercy and forgiveness, even when an injustice occurs.  Idols happen anytime we allow something earthbound to take the place of God in our heart.  This can take the form of money, our job, our religion, or even our own will.  Sometimes our idols are revealed when things don’t go our way, or we perceive injustice regarding our idols.  For instance, how do we treat people when we believe they are ripping us off, or charging more than we would like to pay?  Are we willing to tear that person down by taking our anger out on them, thus treating them as a sacrificial victim?  How about at work when things don’t go according to our plan?  How do we treat our co-workers or employees when they don’t meet our expectation?  Are we willing to mistreat our neighbor and potentially cause damage to their soul?  Perhaps we are really good at being good in public, but it is our family we are sacrificing.

When our default isn’t grace, it is an indication that Jesus doesn’t have complete hold of our heart.  Perhaps it has been hardened by the mistreatment of this world!  God never intended for His children to receive such abuse in this world.  When we are following Him, He protects us.  This can be a physical protection, such as when He prompts us to leave or avoid an abusive or dangerous situation.   Most often, in everyday life, this refers to a spiritual protection.  Evil happens, and the spirit of this world directly opposes the Spirit of God.  While we are here, our lives are affected.  It’s horrible to be robbed, abused, mistreated... but thankfully our savior understands and has experienced these things!  He’s right there comforting us and whispering His love and plan for our life.  When we believe His perspective, allowing it to replace our human perspective, our soul is spared.  He heals the offense and we remain innocent!!

In our humanity we are weak.  Anytime we are tired, hungry, or stressed we are more likely to give in to the old man inside.  But walking in Christ provides the rest we need.  Obeying His promptings in our everyday life lessens these weaknesses as we are empowered by the Spirit of God.  Surrender today, this moment!