Bible Pathway - Feb. 2, 2010
Highlights:
Sin Offering; Trespass Offering; further directions concerning Burnt, Meat (Meal,Grain), and Sin Offerings.
Verses for Today:
And this is the Law of the Meat Offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the Lord. . . . And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the Meat Offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the Meat Offering, and shall burn it upon the Altar for a sweet savour . . . unto the Lord. And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened (yeast-free) bread . . . in the court of the Tabernacle . . . they shall eat it. It shall not be baken with leaven. . . . it is most holy, as is the Sin Offering, and as the Trespass Offering (Lev. 6:14-17).The word translated Meat (Meal) Offering is minchah, "a required gift" paid to a king by a peasant. It consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense (2:1). The priest took a handful of the Meal Offering (the Lord's portion) and burned it on the altar, signifying the offerer was now in a right relationship with the Most High God.
The grain of wheat represents Christ, the sinless Savior, who laid aside His glory as the God of creation to be crushed like a grain of wheat by the mill of humiliation. He was wounded for our transgressions (sins, rebellion), He was bruised for our iniquities (moral evil or wickedness) (Is. 53:5). Just as the grain in the Meal Offering had to be ground into flour before it could be used, Jesus was broken by His death on the cross to become the Bread of Life for His people. His sacrificial death is only effectual for repentant sinners who receive Him as their Savior and Lord.
While the Burnt Offering expressed a consecration of self, the Meat Offering was a consecration of service. As the offerer brought fine flour, it reminded the people that God provided their food and that they, in turn, owed Him their lives. The grain was crushed and ground into fine flour, which was mixed with oil, frankincense, and salt (Lev. 2:1,13), and then baked (2:4-7). Frankincense, as it burned with the offering, gave forth a pleasing odor symbolizing that the prayers and intercessions of all who are in Covenant relationship with God are accepted by Him.
A Meal Offering made with leaven (yeast) was not acceptable to God. Yeast is symbolic of the moral impurity and evil that corrupts human hearts. What a lesson for those who are expecting the blessings of God without removing the moral impurities from their lives! Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded (James 4:8).
Thought for Today:
For us to be an expression of the Meal Offering, the leaven of sin and self-will must be removed from our lives.
Christ Revealed:
Through the body of the young bull which was burned without the camp (Lev. 4:12). This pictures Jesus as He suffered without the gate (Heb. 13:11-12).
Word Studies:
5:3 it be hid from him =he is unaware of it; 5:4 if a soul swear =if a person makes a vow; 5:8 asunder =in two parts; 5:17 wist it not =was unaware of it; shall bear his iniquity =is responsible for his sin; 6:2 fellowship =partnership.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Rodriguez • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Dr. Rick Hash • Government Official: Sen. John Cornyn (TX) • Country: Turkmenistan (4.8 million) southwestern central Asia • Major languages: Turkmen and Russian • Religious freedom • 89% Muslim (largely Sunni); 9% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Unknown/Other (Catholic, Protestant, Baha'i, Jehovah's Witness, Hare Krishna) • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for your daily needs (Matt. 6:11).
Optional Reading: Mark 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:2-4
