SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 6
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where ” `their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ [Mark 9:47-48]
The ever-burning fire for sin and guilt offerings.
Reminds me of what Jesus says about the fires of gehenna [symbol for final judgment.
The wages of sin is not just a rap on the hand, but for those who refuse to get straight with God, they experience the eternal consequence of judgment.
Those who deceive or cheat their neighbour must not only confess their sin, they must also make restitution (20%).
This teaches us that God’s concern is not just that we “say sorry” but that we do what we can’t make things right.
Think of Zacchaeus [Luke 19:8]
The aroma that pleases God is not the smell of the sacrifice, but the heart behind it. When we fully offer ourselves to the Lord in humility, repentance and devotion, He is pleased [Romans 12:1-2].
God uses the grain offering as lunch for the priests and levites.
Same with the meat from the other offerings (beef or lamb).
Because they do not inherit land like the other tribes, this is how they feed themselves while at ‘work’.
In addition the gifts of the tithe (10%) presented by the Israelites were also designated for providing for their families.
Not only is sin contagious, so is holiness.
Anything that touches these most holy things will themselves become holy.
This is a good reminder that we become what we cling to.
If we lean towards God, we become more like God; if we lean away from Him, we become less like Him.
A little fire is good, it gives light and warmth (Jesus).
But it also reminds me of the big fire, the fire that does not go out.
God does not vindictively put us in this fire, we choose it.
If we choose to live apart from God, we will get what we want… for eternity.
PRAYER:
Lord, impress upon my heart that when I sin, I am likely to get burned. Help me to draw close to You, and to allow Your goodness to infect me.
Fire.
The fire of the Lord came down and consumed the burnt sacrifice and the people fell down. The gift of fire – it consumes and it reminds. Not only does it remind me of judgement but also it reminds me of my devotion.
These offerings were continual but the offering of the burnt offering, the fire must not go out. My fire, my love, my devotional must be like that fire and be continuous and never diminish but kept burning by being in His presence with singing, worship, prayer, praise, petition – – – with my whole being. I need to be engulfed as were the three men by the fire – – – walking, living breathing in His presence in that life giving fire.
I too must work so that fire will never go out and be kept burning continuous is my heart. All for Jesus – Refiner’s fire.
My soul is on fire
With a flame burnin’ bright till the day that I die
You’ve taken me higher
From the flat of my back to the stars in the sky
You’re my justifier
You’ve established my ways and direct me each day
You’re my sanctifier
And I’m holy for You everything that I do
Chorus:
In my heart, I’ll always be with You
For my heart will never forsake You
With my heart, I’ll always be lovin’ You
From my heart, they never can take You away
My mind is inspired
You have opened my ears, given sight to my eyes
My arms open wider
You have given me love, to give grace, to be kind
You’re my justifier
You’ve established my ways and direct me each day
You’re my sanctifier
And I’m holy for You everything that I do