BURNT OFFERING
Leviticus 1:1-17
As already noted, there were different types of offerings demanded by the Lord in the Old Testament. Each of them was unique and had its own purpose. One of them is the burnt offering. As you will note from today’s reading, at the Burnt Offering could be an animal from the herd or a bird and it could be a male or female. There is no specific rule about it. The choice of which animal to bring is that of the worshipper. But it must be an animal or bird without any defect.
The blood would be sprinkled on the altar, the body parts cut into pieces and washed clean before the whole meat is burnt on the altar before the Lord.
We can learn a few things from the Burnt Offering. First it is a voluntary act of worship on the part of the individual concerned. God did not demand it. But you decide that you want to worship God and sacrifice something to Him in recognition of who He is. Secondly, it is an expression of devotion and commitment to God. You will note that unlike other offerings, no part of the Burnt Offering is left for the Priests. This is significant. It shows total and complete surrender of will to our God. It is a matter between the devotee and his God without any priest interfering.
Today, you may not burn your offerings. But has it occurred to you that you can take a decision by yourself to offer something unique, whole, and without blemish to your God without prompting from any Pastor? Take a mental survey of your local assembly. What need can you meet? Bring your own burnt offering today by meeting that need.
MEDITATION: A free will offering without blemish.
PRAYER: Lord guide me and enable me to serve you with what you have given me.
