Read Leviticus 4 -- 6
In Today 's Reading:
Sin offering; compensation offering; further directions concerning burnt, grain (meat), and sin offerings
The grain offering is also translated cereal or meat offering. It could be brought with either the burnt offering or the fellowship sacrifice; but it was never to be brought with the sin or compensation (trespass) offering. Now this is the law of the grain offering: Aaron's sons will present it before the LORD. . . . It is to be eaten as unleavened bread. . . . in the courtyard of the tent of meeting. It must not be baked with leaven. . . It is most holy, like the sin offering and the compensation offering (Leviticus 6:14-17).
The Hebrew word for grain offering is minchah, "a gift" given by an inferior to a superior, in the sense of a required tribute paid to a king by a peasant. The Lord's portion was burned on the altar, signifying that the offerer was now in a right relationship with the Most High God.
The fine flour reminded the people that God gave them their food and that they, in turn, owed Him their lives. The grain was usually crushed and ground into fine flour which was sometimes mixed with oil and/or frankincense, but always with salt, and then baked. Frankincense, as it burned with the offering, gave forth a satisfying odor symbolizing that the prayers and intercessions of all who are in covenant relationship with God are satisfying to Him.
While the burnt offering expressed a consecration of self, the grain offering was a consecration of service. It also illustrates the life of Christ, the sinless Savior, who laid aside His glory as the God of creation to be crushed as a grain of wheat by the mill of humiliation. He was pierced through because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5). He endured beatings and intense suffering, was crowned with thorns in mockery, and was finally put to death on the cross for the sins of the world, but it is only effective for all repentant sinners who receive Him as their Savior and Lord. The atonement of Christ secured for the sinner the benefits of forgiveness from God and peace and fellowship with Him. The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life - a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).
Christ Revealed:
Through the body of the young bull which was burned outside the camp (Leviticus 4:12). This pictures Jesus as He suffered outside the gate (Hebrews 13:11-12).
Prayer Needs:
Country: Nepal (24 million) a mountain-ringed Himalayan state between Tibet and India · Major language: Nepali · Limited religious freedom · 89% Hindu; 7% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; .3% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord; our God is the Mighty God (Psalms 50:1).
Optional Reading: Mark 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:8