Bible Pathway - Feb. 3, 2010
Highlights:
Regulations concerning offerings; consecration of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood, and the priests' offerings
Verses for Today:
The priest shall burn the fat upon the Altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'. And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest for an Heave (lifted up and waved before the Lord as a gift) Offering of the sacrifices of your Peace Offerings (Lev. 7:31-32).The Peace Offering was the only offering shared by the Lord, the priest, and his family. This offering of completeness, expressed restored fellowship between God and man. A right relationship with God results in love and peace in fellowship with other believers.
Therefore being justified (being in a right relationship with God) by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).
The Peace Offering could be brought for answered prayer, in connection with a vow, or as an act of thanksgiving, and was always a joyful occasion of thankfulness for the blessings of God. Although not required, strict regulations had to be followed. To offer a Peace Offering, we read that the offerer shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the Altar round about (Lev. 3:2).
The priest burned the fat on the altar, for the fat was always the portion for God and was never to be eaten. Whosoever eateth the fat of the beast, of which men offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, even the soul (person) that eateth it shall be cut off from his people (7:25).
In all the offerings, the Lord's portion was presented first from all sources of increase (Deut. 14:22,28; 26:12; Prov. 3:9). Today, just as then, we are never to give the Lord what is left over after every other desire is met.
Many Christians never experience the full meaning of the Peace Offering. The peace of God is the result of not only making peace with God but of maintaining peace with others (Phil. 4:7). Ill will, jealousy, envy, and hatred for others destroys the peace of God.
Nothing is greater than having the God of peace ruling our hearts! Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful (Col. 3:15).
Thought for Today:
Great peace have they which love Thy Law: and nothing shall offend them (Ps. 119:165).
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses as he consecrated the priests who were called for the work (Lev. 8:1-30). Christ is the One who sets the believer apart for service. Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained (appointed) you (John 15:16).
Word Studies:
7:14 oblation =nonrequired freewill offering; 7:18 abomination =offensive thing, defiled, unclean, detestable to God; 7:25 cut off from his people =excommunicated from family and nation; 8:8 Urim, Thummim =now-unknown objects placed in the breastplate of the high priest by which he ascertained the will of God.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Carolyn P. Ferrell • Government Official: Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA) • Country: Tuvalu (11,000) nine islands in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tuvaluan and English • Religious freedom • 92% Protestant; 5% Baha'i; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Forgive others without exception, and then ask the Lord to forgive you (Matt. 6:12).
Optional Reading: Mark 6
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:2-4
