SCRIPTURE: LEVITICUS 1
INTRODUCTION:
Leviticus means “pertaining to the Levites”. The Levites were members of Aaron’s family who were not ordained as priests but were responsible to help the priests in the service of the tabernacle. This book contains the divine instruction for the priests concerning the various sacrifices, the Feast, the Laws of separation (clean vs. unclean). The central message of Leviticus is the holiness of God. The opening chapters of Leviticus gave detailed instruction for worshiping, offering sacrifices, church cleanliness, repentance and obedience. Sacrificial offering had to be perfect with no defects or bruises. The final emphasis in LEviticus in celebration. There were special regulations and corporal occasions for remembering what God had done, giving thanks to him and rededicating lawes for His service. Today, we also use special days of worship and celebration with fellow brethren to remember God’s goodness and grace in our lives.
THE BURNT OFFERING (VS. 1-17)
The burnt offering can be made with 3 kings of animals:
- Herd – a male without defect
- Sheep or goats – male without defect
- Dove or young pigeon.
They must kill the animal and sprinkle the blood against the altar on all sides at the entrance tot he Tent of Meeting. Then all other parts be burnt by fire as an aroma pleasing to the Lord.
THOUGHTS:
Why did God demand sacrifices”
- To show reverence to the Holy God with perfect animals
- To teach total obedience and submission to God’s laws.
- To know the high cost of sin and prove their sincerity to their commitment with God.