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Saturday 25 December 2010

Leviticus 2,3 - Grain and Fellowship Offerings

Again we have the emphasis on quality. Grain offerings were to be made of the finest flour. Whatever we offer to the Lord should be our best. That is why tithing has the important principle of giving the first tenth. We give to God first, not after we have decided how much we have left.
Part of the grain offering was burnt, and the other part was eaten by the priests. Burning signified offering to God. There is an important point here. Some of our offerings are obviously useful. Ie money given to the poor, missionaries, the church etc. But offering is not purely utilitarian. Ultimately we are offering to God.
It says that the part that belongs to Aaron and his sons is "most holy". So there is a vital balance here. What is given to the church (and used to pay pastors and other church workers) is as holy as any other part of offerings.
Fellowship offerings signified peace and fellowship. Peace with God is essential if we are to have fellowship with Him. Note also that fellowship with God is a crucial part of the goal of the gospel. There are similarities and differences between fellowship and burnt offerings. Indeed our fellowship is built upon the sacrifice of Jesus.

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