WHAT WOULD I PLACE ON THE ALTAR?
Today's reading: Numbers 7

"The leaders also presented dedication gifts for the altar at the time it was anointed. They each placed their gifts before the altar. The Lord said to Moses, Let each leader bring his gift on a different day for the dedication of the altar." Numbers 7:10-11 NLT

As I read about what the tribes of Israel gathered to present to the Lord for the dedication of the Temple, I was intrigued.

Silver platters, pound after pound of grain, gallons of olive oil, piles of incense, young bulls, goats, one-year-old lambs, mounds of gold, bushels of  flour and silver basins.

It made me look around the house wondering just what would I have taken.

Oh, I'd gladly herd up the livestock...every last bleeting, clucking or meowing one of them.

Or maybe a few canned goods from my pantry.

A bottle of olive oil I bought at the grocery last week.

Then I hesitated as I thought about donating my collection of grandma's Golden Wheat dishes to the Lord.

Or my soon-to-be thirty year old gold wedding band.

Glancing around the room, my eyes fell on the television...

Sure, I'd give God the TV. It's an inexpensive model we caught on sale at Walmart a few year ago anyway. I'd miss watching the Great British Baking Show and my guys might throw a fit for a while, but God could have it...

But I looked again.

My eyes rested on the reflection from the lifeless screen sitting on the entertainment center. I could see myself sitting in my prayer chair. I could see me in my usual morning spot. I could see me with my Bible open and my pen in hand. I could see me with my shower-wet head in my favorite spot in the house.

Me.

God doesn't want the farm animals. (I don't blame Him there, neither do I.)

God doesn't need the groceries I could provide Him.

My table service wouldn't be quiet enough to serve those in His banqueting hall.

He wants me.

He wants my heart. My hopes. My desires. My plans. My dreams. My fears. My energies. My life laid before Him on the altar of dedication for Him to use as He please.

Just me.

I can do that.