Sacrifices

O. T. #237  "Sacrifices"
Feb. 28, 2014
Exodus 29-Part 2
Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.  Exodus 29:37

LET IT GLOW

As believers in Christ, we do not offer animal sacrifices. We believer that Jesus became our sacrifice. I wonder, what are we offering to Him, since He do so much for us? Perhaps I should ask myself what I am offering unto my Savior. Give. What am I giving up in order to help another? Where am I going in order to share the gospel? Loving people to Jesus in my theme this year. What about you?

We have talked about the preparation of the priests for the sacrifices, concerning their special wardrobes. Now we read about the ceremonial sacrifices.

The ones chosen to begin the priesthood could not enter into office without Moses' conducting a solemn, seven-day investiture (verses 4-35; Lev. 8:1-36), involving washing, dressing, anointing, sacrificing, daubing and sprinkling with blood, and eating. (MacArthrur)

In order to get the priests eligible to offer the sacrifices, they first had to be cleansed.
Three blood offerings are mentioned:

1. A bullock was slain as a sin offering, each day for the entire week of consecration (verse 36). The person presenting the sin offering confessed his sins as he placed his hands on the animal's head.
2. The first ram was given as a burnt offering, a picture of total dedication to God. (Lev. 7)
3. The second ram's blood was applied to the right ears, thumbs, and great toes of Aaron and his sons, picturing their consecration to hear God's Word, do God's work, and walk in God's way. It became a wave offering and then a burnt offering. (Wiersbe)

The second ram's blood signified that the priests could neither hear, work, nor walk profitably, uprightly, and well-pleasing in the sight of God, without this application of the blood of the sacrifice.
Only through the blood of atonement can we do anything holy and pure, in the sight of a just and holy God. (Matthew Henry)

Whatever is laid on the altar is the Lord's property and wholly devoted to sacred uses, as understood in Matthew 23:19.

Am I sacrificing anything unto the Lord?

Jesus became the sacrificial lamb, taking our place in payment for our sins. I pray everyone has Him to forgive them of their sins and believed this in their heart.


LET IT GROW


As I read over this chapter, the words thou shalt kept being repeated by God. What was He saying to do?

• cause,
• kill,
• take,
• slay,
• cut,
• burn,
• put,
• receive,
• sanctify,
• eat,
• offer.

Do we do these as unto the Lord Jesus? What is He asking us to do? Deny our self, take up our cross, and follow Him.

The special meal for only the priests was from parts of the second ram (Lev. 7:28-38). God permitted parts of some of the sacrifices belonged to the priests as payment for their service to the people.

God prohibited the eating of portions of fat which were normally offered to Him in sacrifice. Even these portions of non-sacrificial animals were not to be eaten. Other areas of fat on the animal were all right to eat (Lev. 7:22-25). The eating of blood was strictly forbidden at all times. (Falwell)

Since the priests were not working outside the Tabernacle to provide food for their family, they needed a source of provisions. A portion of the offerings which the people brought to the Temple was their provision. God allowed it.

What are we hearing throughout the day?
How are we working?
Where are we walking?

Are they done for the honor of our Lord Jesus?

LET IT GO

Do I need to change what I am hearing?

Am I working in a reputable place where I can honor God?

Where am I taking Jesus as I walk and live?