Here we are in Leviticus. Are we ready?
For those of you that enjoy the narratives more than the rules and regulations; be patient; we’ll return to some of that in Numbers. But here in Leviticus, we hit the pause button as far as the history of the Israelites is concerned. Here, God is teaching His people how to use the Tabernacle and the furnishings they have just finished making. Some scholars say that God spoke these words to Moses during a year-long encampment at Mt. Sinai. This gave them plenty of chances to practice the sacrificial worship God had designed before heading toward the Promised Land. Beware: if you have a squeamish stomach, feel free to skim!
In the first 7 chapters of Leviticus, the people are introduced to a variety of “Offerings;” three of them are described in Leviticus 1-3. These first three are voluntary offerings and free acts of worship: the burnt offering, the grain offering and the fellowship offering. Try not to get hung up with all the animal body-parts and focus on other things. For example:
- ·When offerings involve animal sacrifice, the “offerer” first lays his or her hands on the head of the animal, just as Aaron and his sons did at their ordination (Exodus 29:10, etc.). This symbolizes the transference of one’s sins and iniquities to the animal.
- When the offerings are placed in fire, whether animal or grain, the aroma is pleasing to God. God is always pleased with our efforts to serve and obey Him.
Until tomorrow,
Pastor Gary
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