Day 32

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Used for Burnt Offering

Introduction: Leviticus

Led out of bondage by a holy God, Israel must now learn what it means to be his holy people. Thus Leviticus, the book of worship, follows Exodus, the book of deliverance. Leviticus addresses the question, “How can a sinful people worship and serve a holy God?” Taking its name from the priestly tribe of Levi, Leviticus outlines regulations concerning priests and worship in the tabernacle, and speaks of God’s provision for man’s sin: the blood atonement.

Scripture

February 1—Leviticus 1-3: Sweet Savor Sacrifices

Observation

The first seven chapters of Leviticus describe the five types of sacrifices the Israelites were to offer in their newly completed tabernacle. The first three, designated as “sweet savor” offerings, were voluntary expressions of worship and commitment to God. The final two sacrifices were required to restore an individual’s fellowship with God. The sweet savor offerings consisted of (1) the burnt offering, signifying the offerer’s full devotion to God, (2) the grain offering, a testimony to God’s daily provision; and (3) the thank offering, declaring the worshiper’s thanksgiving to God. These three chapters are about sacrifices of praise and dedication to God!

Application

Are you a “praise planner”? “Praise planners” are people who regularly set aside time to praise God and acknowledge their dependence upon him. Many of his daily provisions—the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the cars we drive—may seem so commonplace that we tend to take them for granted. But any demonstration of his care is a fitting occasion for us to offer a sacrifice of praise to God.

Praise is so pleasing to God that he has instituted the means whereby his people can praise him. For the Israelites, the avenue was through sacrifices. For us today, the outward arrangements are different, but the response should be the same, God wants us to offer him a spiritual “sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15), and he wants us to do it continually—beginning right now!

If the smoke from your “altar” has been a little thin lately, perhaps you need to take a “minute vacation” to concentrate on praising God. Take a pencil and paper and mentally walk through the past week of your life—all 168 hours of it. Which events come to mind that show God’s care at work in your life” Make those the substance of a “sacrifice of praise.” God loves the aroma when you do!

Prayer

Lord, we know that a drop of praise is unsuitable acknowledgment for an ocean of your mighty mercy; we can never thank you and praise you enough. Right now, we come before you with prayers of praise, Father, we want to thank you for all the blessings and goodness you give us. And, we pray for forgiveness of our sins. In your loving son’s name, amen!

Praise Him!









© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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