PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Leviticus 5-6
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.” (Leviticus 6:13)
God wants the people to know the seriousness of sin, and the need for mercy.
As I read this, I would be offering sacrifices most of the time.
But the ONE continuous offering is the fellowship offering, or ‘burnt offering’.
This represents our ongoing fellowship with God despite our sin and weakness.
All these sacrifices are NOT intended to keep the people feeling guilty and unworthy.
They show the people that God always forgives and welcomes them.
Yes, this is humbling but it also inspires hope for those who feel guilty.
Do we see our fellowship as a constant reality, a fire that does not go out?
Or do we think that every time sin, God rejects us and does not welcome us.
As awful as I find these sacrifices (I couldn’t be a priest), they do give me hope.
Thankfully Jesus ended these sacrifices once for all (Hebrews 9:12).
I still sin, I still have guilt, and I need to humbly admit this.
But when I sin or feel guilty, I come to God with Jesus my sacrifice.
And God welcomes me as a precious child, for the fire of God’s love will never go out!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your once-for-all sacrifice, and my once-for-all restoration. May I sense the undying fire of your love me, and may the fire of my love become more and more like yours!
With each offering presented in the right way – including the ceremonial cleanliness of the priest – if done correctly, then “The priest will make atonement for them”. The careful details and careful respect that must be given – sets aside – makes the offering the way to holiness. As I read these details, I see that there is nothing casual about this – not like dumping some money in an offering place – no its a heart driven matter. My heart has to be in my life’s giving of service in gratitude for what Jesus did for me. I want to give in gratitude not out of ritual or as a way to access forgiveness. Lord give me a clean heart that wants to serve you in spirit and in truth!
All my wrong doing, sin, is first of all against the Lord. That relationship must be whole and forgiven if I am to live in harmony with my neighbour. Love God. Love man. The reading today reminds me that need Him every hour. I need to lay my life before Him and through the blood of Christ I am made whole. To live in His presence, to live for Jesus I need Him every hour to lead and guide me. His presence, His Spirit I need every hour in order to live for Jesus. I need to prayer walk this day in His presence in all I do and say. Talk often to the Lord throughout the day to keep me straight on my pilgrim’s progress.
Father, I adore You
Lay my life before You
How I love You
Jesus, I adore You
Lay my life before You
How I love You
Spirit, I adore You
Lay my life before You
How I love You