The Savor of Sacrifice: Embracing Our Burnt Offerings to God
"And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD." - Leviticus 2:16
In Leviticus 2:16, the King James Version reads: "And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD." This scripture, while embedded in ancient Israelite customs, offers profound truth for our present-day walk with God. It invites reflection on the nature of our offerings and the willingness to give ourselves sacrificially.
### The Context of the Offering
This verse is part of the grain offerings described in Leviticus, which were meant to express gratitude and devotion to God. Unlike sin offerings or guilt offerings which served to atone for wrongdoing, the grain offering was a way to honor God for His provisions. The 'beaten corn,' symbolizing the best of the harvest, represented an acknowledgment of God's goodness and faithfulness in providing for their needs.
### Understanding the Elements of the Offering
The act of burning part of the offering is significant. The phrase "burn the memorial of it" indicates that it’s not simply about the act of sacrifice; it is about remembrance. God has always desired for His people to remember His provisions and to be mindful of their relationship with Him. The burning of beaten corn along with oil and frankincense creates a pleasing aroma that rises to God, illustrating how our offerings, when given sincerely, are like sweet incense before the Almighty.
- **Beaten Corn**: Represents the labor and toil of life. It reflects our daily efforts and how they can be presented to God as an act of worship. Are we offering our work and the fruits of our labor to God in gratitude?
- **Oil**: Symbolizes the Holy Spirit, an anointing that brings life and vitality. When we offer our lives, the mundane and the sacred, we allow the Holy Spirit to infuse those parts with divine purpose. Our sacrifices, then, are not just about what we give up but what Holy Spirit does with those offerings.
- **Frankincense**: Known historically for its fragrance, frankincense represents prayer and intercession. Our cries to God are sweet in His ears. Do our prayers ascend like this incense, reflecting our deep dependence and desire for communion with Him?
### The Fire of God
The phrase "made by fire unto the Lord" carries weight in its simplicity. Fire signifies transformation, purification, and passionate devotion. The offerings we bring must undergo the refining fire of God, which burns away the dross of insincerity, pride, and self-sufficiency. As we yield our lives, desires, and even dreams at His altar — the altar of sacrifice — we step fully into His presence, becoming instruments of His will.
### Our Daily Offerings
In the rhythm of our spiritual life, we must revisit the concept of sacrifice. What does it mean today to offer our 'beaten corn, oil, and frankincense' to the Lord? It may require us to lay down our ambitions or perhaps even our hurt and bitterness. This offering could mean more time in prayer, serving others, or simply surrendering our vision for a greater purpose.
We live in a world continually asking for more — more time, more energy, more everything. Yet, God asks for less of what we can do and more of who we are. The most significant gifts we can offer are our hearts, laid bare before Him in worship.
### Conclusion
Let us remember, our offerings do not need to be grand in the world's eyes; rather they must be honest and heartfelt. It's about an open heart and a willing spirit, making that offering a 'burnt sacrifice' in the sweetest light of devotion. As we sacrifice, may we see it not as losing something, but as partaking in the deeper relationship with the Lord, who accepts our offerings and makes them holy through the fire of His love. Let us approach the altar today, ready to offer a memorial unto the Lord, filled with gratitude for all His goodness.
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Leviticus 2:16 - "And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD."
"And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD." - Leviticus 2:16
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat." - Leviticus 16:2
Leviticus 16:8
leviticus 16:7-10
Leviticus 21:16 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Leviticus 9:16 - "And he brought the burnt offering, and offered it according to the manner."
Leviticus 4:16 - "And the priest that is anointed shall bring of the bullock's blood to the tabernacle of the congregation:"
Leviticus 11:16 - "And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind,"
Leviticus 16:25 - "And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar."
Leviticus 16:2 - "And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat."
Leviticus 18:16 - "Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness."
Leviticus 17:16 - "But if he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh; then he shall bear his iniquity."
Leviticus 16:7 - "And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."
Leviticus 16:31 - "It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever."
Leviticus 13:16 - "Or if the raw flesh turn again, and be changed unto white, he shall come unto the priest;"
"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Leviticus 21:16
Leviticus 16:8 - "And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat."
Leviticus 16:9 - "And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD'S lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering."
Leviticus 16:3 - "Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering."
Leviticus 16:16 - "And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness."
Leviticus 16:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died;"
Leviticus 22:16 - "Or suffer them to bear the iniquity of trespass, when they eat their holy things: for I the LORD do sanctify them."
Leviticus 16:6 - "And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house."
Leviticus 3:16 - "And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat is the LORD'S."
Leviticus 16:5 - "And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering."
Leviticus 16:19 - "And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel."
Leviticus 1:16 - "And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes:"
Leviticus 16:22 - "And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness."
Leviticus 16:28 - "And he that burneth them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp."