Good morning,
I am reading in Leviticus this morning. As I am reading my mind says “this is archaic” –– even after what God has let me learn! I have had to reset that thought a few times and remember that this is my God and my God’s heart. I remember taking the Old Testament class with Jimmy & Sue and others and being amazed at learning about who God is, especially His love. I knew nothing about Him.
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The works of the law are archaic, Beth, but the Spirit still uses them to teach us about our Creator and His Son who became a sacrifice for us. What Jesus did for us is the thing that makes the law of Moses relevant and interesting. Isn’t it wonderful?
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I wish I could have had a peek at Aaron and his sons throwing the blood and burning the offerings, just to see what they were feeling or saying to each other. How much time did this take? They had a lot of people bringing offerings. It would have been very messy, too. The carnal mindset would probably make it seem solemn, swinging the smoke-filled incense burner and chanting. Or at least, my mind pictures that. I wish I could just have one peek to see them.
And in Leviticus 2:11, why did God forbid Israel to ever offer honey? I think I understand the prohibition regarding leaven, but why not allow honey be brought for an offering? Any reason?
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I do not know why God forbade “any leaven or any honey” to be burned with the offerings that were made on His altar, Beth, but I am sure that He had a wonderful reason.
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I thought about Leviticus 2:3 also, where God commands that a portion be given to His priests, and how it really is a matter of the heart. God did not need those offerings in order for Him to take care of Aaron and his sons, but He wanted Israel to be blessed for doing it. Likewise, God does not need our tithes and offerings to take care of His servants, but that is the way He has chosen for it to be done. And our response answers the question, “Where is our heart?”
I love that.
Beth D.