Highlights In Today's Reading:
Consecration and 10 steps to cleansing. They do dovetail with our responsibilities. What is required of a priest and how does priesthood parallel with us who are Christians? Can you draw a parallel between Aaron, the first high priest (21:10) and Christ, a Christian's Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14)?
The law of the Peace Offering is given last. It was a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise and was presented for some special blessing or vow of dedication. It could also be a freewill offering for special occasions when the worshipper desired to express his praise, love, and thanksgiving to the One True Holy God. And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the Lord (Leviticus 7:11). The peace offering required "unleavened bread" offered as a part of the sacrifice. Therefore, the absence of leaven represented the absence of sin and foreshadowed the perfect Lord Jesus Christ. Yeast, or leaven, was a symbol of corruption for it caused fermentation.
The peace offering was the last one to be offered because there could be no peace or fellowship with God until all the regulations of the sin and trespass offerings had first been obeyed.
The special feature of the peace offering was the sacrificial meal wherein the priest and the worshipper shared together what was offered, and part of the offering was presented to God upon His altar, as though it were being consumed by Him. It was a joyful, fellowship feast celebrating restored peace and communication with God. After these sacrifices the worshipper was acceptable to God. What joy there is in knowing the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Jesus promised: My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you (John 14:27). His peace is imparted to every Christian who submits his will to the will of God.
If our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight (I John 3:21-22). We are given the awesome responsibility of receiving or rejecting His peace in our hearts. Let (or allow) the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful (Colossians 3:15).
Thought for Today:
Living in obedience to God's Word allows us wonderful peace and fellowship with our Savior (Revelation 3:20).
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses as he consecrated the priests who were called for the ministry of the Tabernacle (Leviticus 8:1-36). Christ is the One who sets the believer apart for service. Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained (appointed) you (John 15:16).
Word Studies:
7:4 flanks =sides; 7:18 abomination =offensive thing, unclean, detestable to God; 8:7 curious girdle =artistic band; 8:8 U'rim and the Thum'mim =unspecified items used to determine the will of God; 8:9 mitre =turban, headdress; 8:11 foot =base; 8:13 bonnets =headpieces; 8:35 keep the charge =obey the ordinances.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Government Official: Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA) • Country: Brunei (400,000) on the northern coast of Borneo • Major languages: Malay and English • Limited religious freedom • 66% Muslim; 19% Chinese religions; 6% animist; 4% Protestant; 4% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and call upon the Lord with assurance that He will answer if you pray with a godly spirit free from sin (Isaiah 58:9-11).
Optional Reading: Mark 6
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 118:24