Leviticus 1-3

Up to this point, God has revealed Himself to Moses from the top of Mt. Sinai; now, the Lord calls to Moses from the Tabernacle (i.e., from the midst of His people). He begins with instructions on how voluntary offerings are to be offered, thus providing a means by which His people can draw near to and interact with Him.  He begins with the burnt offering which may incorporate a variety of domestic animals—animals that cost the offerer something. The offerer lays hands on the animal to express his identification with the animal.  The result is that the animal is perceived as a substitute for the offerer.  When performed properly, the burnt offering is a means of acceptance and of bringing God pleasure (cf. vss. 3, 9, 17).  It also provides “kipper” to the offerer.  Most English translations render this Hebrew word as “atonement;” however, the idea is really more about the “removal of evil,” which is the primary obstacle in the divine-human relationship. 

The grain offerings do not function to remove evil (kipper) [a single exception to this is mentioned in 5:11-13], nevertheless, they are a means of pleasing God (cf. vs. 2).  The gift of grain to God is an acknowledgment of God’s gracious provision of the basic necessities of life (cf. Matt. 6:11).  There is no leaven or honey to be added because these ferment (a form of decay) easily, but salt (representing preservation/permanence of the covenant) is to be added.  In short, the grain offerings represent a form of praise.

The peace (also called fellowship or well-being) offering is distinct from the burnt offering in several ways (see chapter 7 for clarification on some of the details that follow).  The most significant is that the offerer shares in eating the meat portions of the animal sacrifice.  The fat is burned on the altar and ascends to God, the  breast and thigh are allotted to the priest, and the remainder is to be eaten by the offerer.  The peace offering had three primary motivations: 1) thanksgiving, 2) payment of a vow, and 3) a free will offering.  In addition to pleasing God, notice that the offerer is benefited by partaking of the sacrifice.  Even though there is a sacrifice that is made, the context for this offering is one of joy, celebration, fellowship, and blessing—much like your next celebration at the local steak house!

You must not read about the offerings without reflecting on how these elements reflect Christ and His work on our behalf!

Leviticus: A Scandalously Brief Introduction

When you approach the book of Leviticus, it is often with trepidation. After all, at first glance, it might best be titled, “15 different reasons to skin a goat.” This said, Leviticus takes the reader on an interesting study of relationship. Primarily, how does sinful man relate to God who is holy? It tells us a great deal about the character of God Himself and makes it clear that to dwell in the presence of a holy God is no light thing. This is perhaps captured best in Leviticus 11:44-45, “For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy…For I am the Lord who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.” This leads us then to the central idea of the book, and that is, how do you live life in the presence of a holy God?

With all this talk of holiness, it is important not to miss the profound grace that is demonstrated by what is contained in this book. It may be said of Leviticus that “it is God’s love letter to His people;” in fact, its Hebrew title is “And He Called.” As you read through all the technical jargon, all the odd (to us) requirements, all the gruesome (to us) bloodletting, it is easy to get lost. While it will not answer all your questions about why God did things a certain way; keeping in mind that the reason for all these requirements was so that God could dwell among His people and have a relationship with them will help you keep your bearings. The Lord wanted them to be with Him! The only way to accomplish this was to have certain protections in place. Those protections were also designed to teach the people about God, His love for them, and the relationship that they enjoyed with Him in vivid, provocative, and experiential ways. It really is a marvelous display of the lengths to which God is willing to go to be with those He loves.

Always on My Mind?

I love reading through the Bible. I am enjoying the manner in which the editors apportioned the readings of Old and New Testaments, Psalms and Proverbs.

As I think back over this week, I was struck by Joseph, one of my favorite people in the Bible. I love the drama of his life, the authenticity of it, the triumph and tragedy, the way it ended. And I love the way he fears God. God is at the center of his thoughts.

When people need dreams interpreted, he makes sure that they know the Dreamgiver. When he is pursued and tempted with lust, his continuing thought remains, "How can I do this and sin against God?" Regardless of what anyone else thinks, he voices his passion for pleasing God.

God is not "first" in his life. Instead, God is at the center of who Joseph is and what he does. God is his consuming passion. In a very simple way, I glimpse 24/7 worship.

That's what stayed with me this week. What stayed with you as you read and prayed over God's Word?

Always at Work

Someone sent me this picture a few years ago. I believe it is from Iraq, early in the war.

When I gaze at it, I wonder if this is what Moses saw on Mt. Sinai. Did God manifest Himself this way in the wilderness? It is almost as if God has pulled back the curtain without revealing too much. He has made it known that He is there and He is not silent.

A picture like this one reminds me that God is always at work. Sometimes I see Him clearly. Sometimes I notice His work upon reflection. And sometimes I may not understand His handiwork until heaven.

Have you seen anything, like this picture, that made you think of God this week?

What Stayed with You?

We are nearing the completion of our first week in the One Year Bible. As you think back over the last week, what one word, phrase or verse has stayed with you?

The first verse that jumped out at me was Genesis 4:7. "Sin is crouching at your door." Michael Benefield said, "It's like you walk out on the front porch and there's a mountain lion waiting for you." That's vivid!

I read that verse and I was struck by the thought, "Nothing has changed since the inception of mankind." Sin exists. Sin seeks to master. Satan tempts us toward sin in order to steal, kill and destroy. All sin has consequences. Do not let sin master you.

Sounds like Paul in Romans 6. The power of sin and of death is broken through the death of Christ. However, we still have to choose each day whether we will submit to sin as its slave or submit to Christ as His servant. I've been thinking about that verse all week, seeking God's grace to avoid sin.

What one word, phrase or verse has stayed with you this week?

The Name Game

How have you handled the tough pronunciation of names in Genesis?

Lee Fox reminded us last week that these are people that God thought were worth mentioning in His Word. The living God of the universe knows them intimately and elevated their dignity by naming them in Scripture. Mary Craig said in staff meeting, "I can't wait to meet some of these people and hear their story!"

Knowing their story is one thing. Pronouncing their names is another. Sometimes, I go with the phonetic pronunciation. Other times, I shorten the name to "E" or "H." Once in a while, I give that person a nickname. Some names do not transliterate well from Hebrew to English.

Of course, you could do what people do with Coach Mike Krzyzewski (Duke basketball coach). His name is pronounced, "shih-SHEV-skee." Most people simply call him, "Coach K."

How have you handled the names?

Excitement Abounds

Do you love a good adventure?

I do! The earliest years of my life were filled with adventures in the backyard building forts, playing Cowboys and Indians with friends and riding bikes around the block. My Jr. High years were filled with building forts under the house (pier and beam), watching the Cowboys on a Super Bowl quest and riding bikes around White Rock Lake. My college years were filled with educational adventures, as my mind was fortified with knowledge, examples and experiences. I begged rides to Colorado to snow ski and rode trains throughout Europe. I took greater interest in the adventure of wondering if God had a mate out there for me.

Whether it is adventures in my mind, around the globe or simply the adventure of getting to know someone, I enjoy the stimulation of an exciting experience.

I view reading through the One Year Bible as an adventure. I can't wait to see how God will reveal Himself to me. I long to gain a greater understanding of Jesus Christ. I desire to encounter His transforming grace throughout Scripture. I look forward to a great sense of community as our church family interacts throughout the year.

What about you? Is this adventure exciting or intimidating for you? Why are you looking forward to it? What are you concerned about? Share your thoughts.