Highlights:
The first words God spoke to Moses are: Speak unto the children of Israel (Lev. 1:2). Find out how to approach God and continue in fellowship with Him.
Three times it is repeated that if his offering be a Burnt Sacrifice . . . he shall offer it of his own voluntary will . . . before the Lord. . . . it is . . . a sweet savour unto the Lord (Lev. 1:3,17). But the Sin Offering and the Trespass Offering were never a sweet savour for they were required to restore one's relationship with God. Only then could the worshiper present the sweet savour offerings that truly satisfied God.
For the successful farmer, the Burnt Offering was often an ox that plowed in a field or pulled a cart. It was chosen as a Burnt Offering sacrifice because it represented the most valuable of all clean animals. It was killed, burned outside the gate, and reduced to ashes. (Only then did it ascend to God as a sweet savour unto the Lord.) There was a remarkable transformation that took place from the time the powerful ox was plowing the fields until the time it was reduced to ashes. To the world it became worthless, but to God it became precious.
We, too, are like the "powerful oxen," proud of our talents and abilities. But to please God they must be "reduced to ashes" (fully dedicated to God for His glory) to become a sweet savor — a satisfaction to God. This means that in all our activities we will ask: "What would Jesus do?" He has said: It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak (Rom. 14:21). If it were possible for you to drink with a clear conscience, you would never know how many you would influence to become an alcoholic. We are to present your (our) bodies a living sacrifice (not just on Sunday), holy, acceptable unto God. . . . And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (12:1-2). To offer God less than our best may hinder or influence another from being fully devoted to serving the Lord.
A Burnt Offering illustrates the essential characteristics of a Christian's life that affects both the inward cleansing and external conduct such as: Be not drunk with wine . . . but be filled with the (Holy) Spirit (Eph. 5:18). Obviously, either wine or the Holy Spirit is in control. God removed all doubt when Paul wrote: The works of the flesh are manifest . . . Adultery (sexual perversions) . . . drunkenness . . . and such like . . .. they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-24). If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live (Rom. 8:13).
Thought for Today:
Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach (Heb. 13:13).
Christ Revealed:
Through the Meat (Meal finely ground, symbolic of the perfection of Christ and His willingness to be crushed for us) Offering. This offering was made without leaven (symbolic of sin) (Lev. 2:11). Christ was without sin (Heb. 4:15).
Word Studies:
1:9 sweet savour acceptable satisfying fragrance; 2:3 holy set apart for God and according to the Word of God; 2:4 unleavened without yeast; 2:12 oblation offering; 2:13 suffer allow; 3:9 hard by near to, close to.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for our Military worldwide • International Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • Staff: Rick Hash • Government Official: Sen. Mike Enzi (WY) • Country: South Korea (46.9 million) in northeastern Asia • Major languages: Korean and English • Religious freedom • 48% Christian; 40% Buddhist; 3% Confucian; 9% Shamanism; Chodogyo, Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for (not against) your enemies (Luke 6:28).NOTE: We list the President, Vice President, Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet Members, Senators, Representatives, and Governors on their birthdays. Because we publish in advance our list may not reflect the results of the most recent elections.
Optional Reading: Mark 4
NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.
Memory Verse for the Week: Hosea 4:6