Read: Leviticus 6-7
Leviticus 7:37-38 – These, then, are the regulations for the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering and the fellowship offering, which the Lord gave Moses at Mount Sinai in the Desert of Sinai on the day he commanded the Israelites to bring their offerings to the Lord.
God is holy, but also merciful, providing a way for His people to approach Him despite their sinfulness.
The book of Leviticus lists five kinds of offerings that the Israelites were required to bring to the Lord. The profound sinfulness of humans and the need for atonement is the premise for these offerings. It made a way for everyone to repent and come back to fellowship with God.
There are three undergirding principles about offerings here that are relevant even today.
Firstly, the offerings were open to all. Anyone could bring an offering. And that is the wideness of God’s grace and true human equality. Though salvation is through none other than Christ, anyone may come to Him.
Secondly, there is a cost involved for the worshipper. Salvation is a gift for us because Christ paid the full price to redeem us. And only He could pay that price. But disciples, are to deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
Thirdly, only the best could be offered. Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate. He gave His very life and the last drop of His blood for you and me. We are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). We are to offer our praise, our gifts, and service to others in Christ’s name.
We have received the best and the ultimate sacrifice, how can we offer anything but our best? Is our response – all to Jesus I surrender?
Ponder
- What can you learn from the principles of worship in Leviticus about how you can approach God in a way that is pleasing to Him?
- How can you practically deny yourself and offer your best to God in your daily life as a disciple of Christ?
- How does the wideness of God’s grace apply to you personally, and how can you share this grace with others?
Scripture Writing: Ephesians 1:7