Leviticus 3
-This section deals with stipulations in the peace offerings
of the Tabernacle and Temple system. Animals of the herd, bulls and cows, and
animals of the flock, male or female lambs or goats are the proper choice for
this offering expressing gratitude for God’s reconnecting and redeeming Heart.
Part of this offering could be eaten by the one presenting it, which symbolizes
a partaking and unification with their Maker. This is a blessed thought and
shadow of the New Covenant relationship that we have with Christ Jesus (Jeremiah
31:33, Romans 12:5, Galatians 3:28-29). These are again offerings lifted up in
smoke by the priests, the sons of Aaron, by fire as a “soothing aroma to the
LORD (Leviticus 3:5, 16).” The blood is sprinkled around on the altar from a sacrifice
without blemish or defect. It is the picture of the just giving its life for
the unjust to bring peace back into a strained relationship because of sin (Hebrews
9:11-22, Revelation 1:5). The person offering the sacrifice had to lay his hand
on the head of the animal being sacrificed (Leviticus 3:2, 8, 13). This puts the
person in contact with the suffering of the innocent animal as it is slayed for
the purpose of giving its life to redeem a broken relationship between God and
man. Finally, there are some stipulations regarding things that are not to be consumed.
As a perpetual statute throughout future generations the fat and the blood was under
direct command not to be eaten by Israelites (Leviticus 3:17). This eating of blood
is later reflected in some of the directives of the new church in regard to
Gentile converts as well (Acts 15:20).
-*Application* The shed blood of Jesus is precious to us in
our conversion back into His good graces. Without the shedding of blood there
is no forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22). Christ had to pour out His undefiled
blood as a sacrifice for our spiritual well-being (shalom-peace). Honor the devotion of the crucified Savior with your
life sanctified (holy, set apart) as you conform to His image realizing what He
gave up to bring you back into right relationship with the Father.
Verses to Memorize:
Leviticus 3:1, 17
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