Bible Pathways - Feb. 4, 2009
February 4
Highlights In Today's Reading:
What happens to two of Aaron's sons because of strange fire? And what is the difference between holy and unholy and clean and unclean (10:10-11)? Discover the difference between "holy" fire and "hell" fire. It is of utmost importance that we carefully read today's Scriptures. Discover why God demands that we be holy.
The Peace Offering was offered because peace is a gift of God as a result of being faithful to what He has required. And this is the law of the sacrifice of Peace Offerings, which he shall offer unto the Lord. If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil (7:11-12).
The Peace Offering expressed a peaceful, harmonious relationship with God, as well as with others. But Shalom, the Hebrew word for peace, includes much more. It also implies happiness, contentment, and rest. The Peace Offering could be brought for answers to prayer, in connection with a vow, or as a voluntary act of thanksgiving. Peace offerings were always accompanied by Meal Offerings. Take . . . a bullock and a ram for Peace Offerings . . .. and a Meat (Meal) Offering mingled with oil (9:3-4; also Num. 15:4; Deut. 12:5-7).
The shoulder, thigh, and breast were given to the priest who had offered the sacrifice. They were symbols of strength and compassion — a reminder that strength is given to those who serve the Lord. The sacrifice was to be a bullock (Lev. 9:3-4), goat, or lamb, but it had to be unblemished, which represented the perfect Life of Christ. The bullock represented the Lord as the strong and patient One, the lamb as the meek and gentle One, the goat as the despised and rejected One (Lev. 3:1,7,12).
The Peace Offering was a joyful feast shared by the priests and the people in the presence of God who first of all received the fat upon the altar (9:20). After the Lord received the fat and the priests received their portion, all that was left was eaten by the offerer, his friends, and family in the court of the Tabernacle. They rejoiced in the wonderful things that the Lord had provided.
Jesus promised: My peace (happiness, contentment, no fear) I give unto you (John 14:27). Peace with God can only be found through Him, for God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not holding their trespasses against them; and has committed to us the Word of reconciliation (II Cor. 5:19).
Thought for Today:
Our opinions, traditions, or rituals must not become substitutes for the Word of God (Matt. 15:2-6).
Christ Revealed:
Through the sacrifice of a lamb without defect (Leviticus 9:3). Behold the Lamb of God, which (who) taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Word Studies:
9:21 wave offering =offering lifted high above the priest's head before the Lord; 10:3 sanctified =sacred, holy; will be glorified =just be given honor; 10:6 rend =rear; bewail =express sorrow; 10:13 thy due =your share, yours legally; 10:19 befallen =happened to.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Arabic, English, & Spanish International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by a family that loves Jesus • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Country: Antigua and Barbuda (64,000) in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and local dialects • Religious freedom • 83% Protestant; 11% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: The promises of God should be an encouragement to you to seek God in prayer (Amos 5:4,6).
Optional Reading: Mark 7
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:5-6
