Leviticus 1:1–2 (ESV): “The Lord called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of livestock from the herd or from the flock.”
The sacrificial system of the Old Covenant was designed to be a means of temporary atonement for failing to keep the law. It was ultimately a foreshadowing of Christ. He is our sacrifice for sin once and for all (Heb 10:1-10).
The first offering described to Moses was the burnt offering. It was voluntarily given to atone for personal sin. One could bring an offering from the herd, flock, or even of birds (vs 14-17). The person bringing the sacrifice was responsible for slaying and butchering it. It was to serve as a visual relating to the seriousness of sin and that without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission (Heb 9:22). This sacrifice would be consumed before the Lord which serves as a picture of what we are to be as living sacrifices to God (Rom 12:1-2).
Do you ever contemplate the cost of your sin? It’s easy to overlook our atonement because we aren’t bringing a physical sacrifice to the altar. However, we do remind ourselves of this by way of partaking in Communion. The next time you participate in Communion remember the burnt offering for atonement. Be reminded of the total consumption of Christ on the altar. He gave all. It was the only way for atonement to be made and for the righteous requirements of the law to be satisfied. Think of that the next time you remember Jesus through Communion. Amen?
Father, what a sobering picture we have of the cost of our sins. Thank You for paying the price we could not pay. Help us to be mindful of how we are living in light of this we pray in Jesus' name, amen.
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