Feb 13: Leviticus 1-4

Feb 13, Leviticus 1-4

Leviticus. Moses wrote another book. A lot of people don't like this book of the Bible, mainly because they haven't read it. It shows us more of the journey of the Israelites and Yahweh, as they grow in him and also it becomes clear as to how they sin against Him. Leviticus sets forth some outlines for them (and ultimately us) on what to do when they sin so that Yahweh can dwell with them. It is challenging for us to understand some of what is going on as we read ancient documents like Leviticus, when we don't really do many worship rituals. But just think… all the sacrifices required by God’s people was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ when He became the sacrifice. After reading this book, you should have an even greater thanksgiving for the work of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins. Interestingly enough, Leviticus is one of my wife’s favorite books of the Bible, as it shows how amazing our God is and shows the heart of God. 

Leviticus 1 is a continuation of God speaking to Moses about how to get the Israelites in obedience and to learn what it means to be followers of only Yahweh. Chapter 1 is about the Ceremonial Law; burnt offerings, one of the many offerings that the Israelites will have to do to make right their sins against God. The burnt offering was done to God to show that the sinner was thankful, sorrowful, and/or dedicated to Yahweh. It was the most expensive of the offerings, as the entire animal was consumed minus the flesh. God is very specific on how to offer offerings (remember God cares about details…) in order for them to be accepted. If done correctly, this meat offering, we are told it would be a pleasing aroma to the Lord. Kind of crazy to think about, but that if it is done right, God would like the smell of it and be pleased with it. As Christian’s our love and obedience is received the same way. I love that concept and I want my life to be a pleasing aroma to God.

Leviticus 2 was more Ceremonial Laws pertaining to grain offerings. This offering would have consisted of fine flour, oil, frankincense (good smelling resin) and salt. But more than that it was offered to Yahweh usually to either praise God or to petition, or ask, God for something. Now that Jesus has come, we have to remember that all of the Ceremonial Laws were fulfilled in Jesus’ sacrifice. So now, we can ask and petition for something though the sacrifice of Jesus. But the heart of God is the same. He doesn’t change. 

Leviticus 3 discusses the fellowship or peace offerings. This again is another Ceremonial Law. The peace offering expresses peace between the person and the Lord. Historically, an Israelite was only able to offer a peace offering once there has been expiation (forgiven from your sins) through sacrifice. The peace offering was mostly optional, unlike the other ones. Again, Jesus gives us peace between us and the Father.

Leviticus 4 sets up the laws for sin and the offerings that accompany them. This is another Ceremonial Law. This can also be called a purification offering, or making pure what was impure. This offering is if you sinned on purpose or not. Let me introduce you to two types of sins, sins of omission and sins of commission (co-mission). Omission is a sin when you didn't do what you should have done and commission is when you committed a sins you should not have. The sin offering covers both. Here, as a Christian, Jesus was the sacrifice for this as well. We see in verse 22 that God makes known these sins. From back then, to today, God makes us aware of sin that we have. We have to confess our sins and turn to God who made a way for us to be purified through Jesus. We still have to come to God, we just don’t have to kill anything for it. And in verse 27, we see that unintentional sins are still counted against us; this is why Jesus told us to pray, “Forgive us our sins…” As Jesus will forgive us our sins. Those sins of omission and those sins of commission. Although we don’t need to do the sacrifices any longer. We need to see and understand what it takes to come to a Holy God. And we need to realize how important it is for us, that Jesus came and was our sacrifice. Now that we realize this and are thankful for all that He has done for us, all we need to do, is live obediently for Him. 

To sum it all up:

• Offerings, like our lives, were considered a sacrifice to Yahweh - not necessarily an obligation. God wants our hearts to be for Him and that will show in our sacrifice - it has to cost us something or it isn't worth anything
• Even though we don’t have to sacrifice any longer. Look at the different sins that we are to be aware of. God will still hold us acceptable for wrong doing. So let’s make sure we are cautious of our actions. 
• We might not be able to sacrifice to God anymore because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice for us. But we still can live a life pleasing to Him, and through that our actions are like a pleasing aroma to Him. In 2 Corinthians 2:15 states that our obedient lives are like a pleasing aroma to Him.