Following the descriptions of the various offerings the Lord gave special guidelines for the priests to follow in carrying out their duties. These guidelines are relevant for all who are engaged in ministry today. The Priests were instructed to ...

KEEP THE WAY OPEN FOR THE PEOPLE TO COME TO GOD  ...........  (Leviticus 6:8-13)
ENCOURAGE THE PEOPLE IN THEIR FAITH  .........................................  (Leviticus 6:14-18)
PRESENT A MODEL OF A DEDICATED LIFE TO THE PEOPLE  ........  (Leviticus 6:19-23)
ASSURE THE REPENTANT OF GOD'S FORGIVENESS  ..........................  (Leviticus 6:24-30)
ASSIST IN THE RECONCILIATION PROCESS  ..........................................  (Leviticus 7:1-10)
HELP MAINTAIN A PEACEFUL COMMUNITY  .........................................  (Leviticus 7:11-36)

KEEPING THE WAY OPEN (Leviticus 6:8-13)

Here are further instructions for the priests regarding the burnt offering described in Leviticus 1:1-17. They are reminded that the way to God must always be available to the people. For the priests to do this …

The Fire Must Be Kept Burning (vs. 8-9)

Moses was to pass on the instruction from the Lord that “The burnt offering must be left on the altar until the next morning, and the altar fire must be kept burning all night … the fire on the altar must be kept burning. It must never go out.” (vs. 8-9, 13) Allen Ross[1] explains the significance of this.

   The emphasis on keeping the fire burning must mean that the provision of atonement must always be available to people. No one should ever come to the sanctuary and find the fire out or the priests unavailable.

Likewise today. The pastor is to keep reminding people of the way to finding acceptance with God. The way of salvation through Christ is to be kept before the people. As Paul reminded the young pastor Timothy.

    And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus—who will some day judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. (2 Timothy 4:1-2)

To keep the way to God before people is to keep Christ before people, to accept what he said about himself as being true. It was to Thomas the doubter that he said …

   “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had known who I am, then you would have known who my Father is. From now on you know him and have seen him!” (John 14:6-7)

Christ was always central in Paul’s teaching. The focus of his teaching was always on Christ—his sacrificial death, his resurrection, coming again, his continuing presence in the person of the Holy Spirit, and the integrity he desires in his followers.

   We don’t go around preaching about ourselves, we preach Christ Jesus the Lord … I passed onto you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me—that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the twelve apostles. After that he was seen by more than five hundred of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died by now. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. (2 Corinthians 4:5a … 1 Corinthians 15:3-7)

If the pastor is to keep the way of salvation before people, if he is to keep the fire burning, he must keep the fire burning in his own life. Paul seems to have sensed on one occasion that the flame of Timothy’s initial enthusiasm for the ministry was starting to burn low, prompting him to write …

   I know that you sincerely trust the Lord, for you have the faith of your mother, Eunice, and your grandmother Lois. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me either, even though I am in prison for Christ. With the strength God gives you be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of the Good News. (2 Timothy 1:5-8)

Even though Jeremiah was often mocked and his teaching rejected, he did not allow persecution to extinguish the fire burning in his heart. In the midst of one of his greatest trials when he was tempted to toss it all in, he draws this word picture of his inability to stop delivering God’s message to his people …

   And I can’t stop! If I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in. (Jeremiah 20:9)

How are we to keep the fire burning in our hearts. By setting aside a time each day to prayerfully read and allow the Scriptures to find a place in our hearts. This is why Paul advises his readers to …

   Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. (Colossians 3:16)

As well as the responsibility the priests had for keeping the fire burning …

They Must Be Correctly Clothed (vs. 10a)

When passing on the instructions relating to the altar fire Moses makes mention of the “special linen clothing and undergarments” the priests are to wear. (vs. 10a) In this special clothing for the priests we have a picture that is meaningful for all people today. For in order to come into the presence of the Lord, to be restored to a right relationship with him, we need to put on the right clothes. What are these required clothes?

The Garments Of Salvation

Isaiah was overcome with remorse as he thought of his sinfulness.

   Then I said, ‘My destruction is sealed, for I am a sinful man and a member of a sinful race. Yet I have seen the King, the LORD Almighty!’ Then one of the seraphim flew over to the altar, and he picked up a burning coal with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, ‘See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.’ (Isaiah 6:6).

Later in his document he draws a graphic word picture to describe the forgiveness he has found.

   I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10).

Early in the Biblical record we come across a scene that pictures the way in which these garments are provided for us. After they fell out of relationship with the Lord, Adam and Eve felt the need of clothing. It was provided for them by the Lord. “And the LORD God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.” (Genesis 3:21). It was clothing that protected them from the wrath of God which they now feared as the result of their sinfulness. To the Lord’s question “Where are you?” Adam replied, “I heard you, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” (Genesis 3:10). He was afraid to face his maker in his now sinful state. He and his wife needed some protective clothing. God provided it from the skins of animals.

Being made from animal skins required that the animals first be killed. It is in this provision of clothing for Adam and Eve that we are introduced to the way in which the Lord has provided for the forgiveness of sins. It is the way of a sacrificial offering to God, pictured later in the Jewish sacrificial system and culminating in the coming of Christ. John the Baptist invites us to look to him. “Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29).

The garments of salvation are pictured in the story Jesus told of the wedding feast, which a king prepared for the marriage of his son.[2] All of those initially invited refused to come but the banquet hall was filled with guests when the invitation was extended to all the people of the area. The only condition for entry was the wearing of the correct wedding garment. The “man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding” was excluded when he tried to take his place among the guests. And so it is for us. We cannot expect to find our place in that ‘wedding feast of the Lamb’[3] if we are not clothed in the garments of salvation.

We find another picture of the garments of salvation in the way the king treated Jehoiachin after his release from prison in Babylon.

   He spoke pleasantly to Jehoiachin and gave him preferential treatment over all the other exiled kings in Babylon. He supplied Jehoiachin with new clothes to replace his prison garb and allowed him to dine at the king’s table for the rest of his life. (Jeremiah 52:32-33)

Tired of the old life? Imprisoned in some sinful activity? Come to the Lord and put on the new clothes he has provided for you.  What are some of the clothes worn by those who wear ‘the garments of salvation’? As we look to identify these clothes, it is important to remember that the clothing referred to in this word picture is the clothing of the inner person that we are looking at, not the clothing of the outer body. It is the inner not the outer clothing. Peter brings this to the attention of his readers. The principle he is speaking of applies equally to men and women, boys and girls.

   Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” (1 Peter 3:3-4).

The first kind of clothing that we find on opening the wardrobe containing the ‘garments of salvation is …

The Robe Of Righteousness

We remember the words of Isaiah, “He has … draped me in a robe of righteousness.” (Isaiah 61:10). This robe replaces the soiled clothes that we once wore. The word picture continues to be drawn in the experience of Jeshua the priest.

   Jeshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Jeshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.” (Zechariah 3:3-4)

The righteousness referred to here is not to any righteousness that we may think we have. If we are honest with ourselves we come to this conclusion …

   We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves we wither and fall. And our sins, like the wind, sweep us away. (Isaiah 64:6).

It is the righteousness of Christ with which we are now clothed. Paul explains the word picture to the Christians in Philippi.

   I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. (Philippians 3:8-9 NIV).

 And to those in Galatia he writes,

   You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27 NIV).

And to the Corinthian believers.

   … you are in Christ Jesus who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:29b NIV).

Having put on the clothing of our justification, that is, the righteousness of Christ, we are then responsible to add …

The Clothing Of Right Living

Paul reminds us that wearing the garments of salvation, that is, the robe of Christ’s righteousness, does not make it alright continue sinning.

   What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? (Romans 6:1-2 NIV).

Paul encourages us to be sure that we have put on the clothing of right living. Right living is not the reason for our salvation but should be the result of it.

   Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don’t live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armour or right living, as those who live in the light. (Romans 13:11-12).

Other garments to accompany the garments of salvation are the …

Clothing of joyfulness

David thanks the Lord for giving him joy in place of sorrow.

   You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy. (Psalm 30:11).

David is probably talking here about the sorrow he felt because of his sinfulness being replaced by the joy that comes with the Lord’s forgiveness.

Of praise

What a wonderful change of clothing is offered to the discouraged in these prophetic words of Jesus’ ministry.

   The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor … to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendour. (Isaiah 61:1a, 2b-3 NIV).

Of love

Paul speaks of this in his letter to Christians in Colosse.

   And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:14).

Of humility

Peter encourages young and old alike to …

   Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5 NIV).

And Micah reminds God’s people.

   …the LORD has already told you what is good and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8).

Of power

Speaking of the Holy Spirit as the time of his departure drew near, Jesus promised his disciples,

   “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49 NIV).

And then just prior to his ascension he assured them once again,

   “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7).

 Paul draws a word picture of this clothing of power from the armour worn by a Roman soldier. To the church in Ephesus he writes,

   A final word: Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:10-12). 

Of strength and dignity

The mother of King Lemuel advised him to look for a wife who wore this kind of clothing. Among other characteristics she says of this person …

   She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs with no fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions. She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her. (Proverbs 31:25-28).

Of a new person and a new body 

God created first the body and then the person who would be clothed in that body.

   And the LORD God formed a man’s body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And the man became a living person. (Genesis 2:7).

The body came first then the person to live in that body. Then followed the creation of a second person from within the first.

   So the LORD God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep. He took one of Adam’s ribs and closed up the place from which he had taken it. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib and brought her to Adam. (Genesis 2:21-23).

God’s plan then was for the creative process to continue in the coming together of the two, male and female. Now, at the moment of conception, the person and the body-clothing come into being in embryonic form simultaneously. The newly created person, clothed in a body, is alive from the time of conception. Job understood it this way.

   You guided my conception and formed me in the womb. You clothed me with skin and flesh, and you knit my bones and sinews together. You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care. (Job 10:10-12)

It was not long however before a problem arose. Adam and Eve chose to ignore God’s specific instruction to them with the result that their innocence was replaced by shame. The person within and the body-clothing itself became unclean.[4] That uncleanness has been passed down from generation to generation. Peter explains how God was ready for such a possibility even before the creation of the world.

   For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him for this purpose long before the world began, but now in these final days, he was sent to the earth for all to see. He did this for you. (1 Peter 1:18-20).

Those who accept this provision for their salvation find that they are being created as a new person within their present body-clothing. Paul speaks of this in several of his letters when he writes …

   You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness—righteous, holy, and true. (Ephesians 4:24). Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV).

The creation of this new person within is something that is ongoing. Paul reminds the Colossians of this.

   But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behaviour, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds. In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ who created this new nature within you. (Colossians 3:8-10).

The change will not be completed until we are called into the presence of the Lord, either at his coming or at the time of our death. John explains.

   Yes dear friends, we are already God’s children, and we can’t even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who believe this will keep themselves pure, just as Christ is pure. (1 John 3:2-3)

 The process God uses is changing us to be like Christ.  Paul reminded the Christians in Rome of this.

   And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son … (Romans 6: 28-29)

Any time that we may be feeling discouraged as we see how slowly we are changing, it is good to remember that the Lord has not finished with us yet! Paul notes that the body with which the new person within is being created is slowly deteriorating—“outwardly we are wasting away.” (2 Corinthians 4:16) But the good news is that the Lord is preparing a new set of body-clothing for us. It is the clothing of immortality. Paul explains.

   For our perishable earthly bodies must be transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die. When this happens—when our perishable earthly bodies have been transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die—then at last the Scriptures will come true: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:53-54).

And now by way of contrast to those who wear the garments of salvation we come across other kinds of clothing.

Clothes Of Pride And Cruelty

Asaph mentions the clothes worn by those whose goal in life is the acquiring of material wealth.

   … I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such a painless life; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They aren’t troubled like other people or plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jewelled necklace, and their clothing is woven of cruelty. (Psalm 73:3b-6)

Of despair

The nation that turns its back on the Lord will soon have its leaders not knowing what to do next as the country lurches from one crisis to another. What the Lord says of the people of Israel is true of any nation or group of people not walking in his ways.

   When terror comes, they will seek peace, but there will be none. Calamity upon calamity will come and rumour upon rumour. They will try to get a vision from the prophet; the teaching of the law by the priest will be lost, as will the counsel of the elders. The king will mourn, the prince will be clothed with despair, and the hands of the people of the land will tremble. (Ezekiel 7:25-27 NIV)

Of deceit

Jesus sees through the outer clothing of the Pharisees and the false teachers who follow them, to what the inner person is wearing. He left his disciples this warning.

   Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. (Matthew 7:15 NIV)

The instructions for the priests to keep the fire burning and to be appropriately clothed is now followed by the requirement that …

Any Fallout From The Ministry Must Be Taken Care Of (vs. 10b)

Moses continues, “The next morning … the priest on duty must clean out the ashes of the burnt offering and put them beside the altar.” (vs. 10b) Not a particularly enjoyable task but nevertheless a necessary one. Left unattended, it would not be long before the ashes spilled over into the sanctuary. The longer the ashes were left the harder the clean up would become.

And so it is in Christian ministry today. There is often a fall out from the ministry. Misunderstandings can occur, arguments take place, personalities clash, leadership tensions may begin to surface, parties formed around different people. Whatever the ashes, whatever the fallout, it must be cleaned up immediately, daily if necessary. Paul was always on the look out to deal with fallout like this, prompting one occasion his letter to the church in Corinth.

   Now dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your arguments, dear friends. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:10-12)

But even in this phase, the fire must be kept burning, the way of salvation kept open before the people. “Meanwhile, the fire on the altar must be kept burning. It must never go out. Each morning the priest will add fresh wood to the fire and arrange the daily whole burnt offering on it.” (vs. 12a) Any fallout must not be allowed to extinguish the flame. This is why Paul advises Pastor Timothy,

   Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2)

Keeping the way of salvation always before the people, being clothed in the garments of salvation themselves, the Lord’s ministers are also responsible for …

ENCOURAGING THE PEOPLE (Leviticus 6:14-18)

These extra instructions for the priests relate to the grain offering, described in Leviticus 2:1-16

The Dedication Service (vs. 14-15)

As he presents the offering to the Lord, the priest, from one perspective is encouraging the people into a fresh dedication of themselves to the Lord. Just as Paul did when he wrote …

   And so, dear Christian friends, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this to much to ask? Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into  a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will  know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. (Romans 12:1-2)

But then from another perspective the priest is affirming the people in their dedication, assuring them that the Lord has accepted and is pleased with their dedication to him. “He will burn this token portion on the altar and it will be very pleasing to the Lord.” (vs.  15b) Ross[5] explains …

   The meal offering represented the worshipper’s loyal devotion and dedication to the Lord. It was a public expression of commitment. But the major emphasis in this passage is on the priest’s reception of the offering. His actions vividly signified to the offerer that God had received the offering, that God was pleased with it. This was done first by burning part of it with fire (if it was the priest’s offering, all of it had to be burned because a priest could not eat his own offering). And second, by receiving it and eating from it in that sacred place, the priest signified that it was a proper offering. The worshipper could go away with the knowledge that the Lord was pleased to receive the dedicatory offering.

In this way the priest affirmed the people in their commitment to the Lord. The pastor today is likewise to affirm God’s people in their faith. The shepherd’s work is not to whip the flock into shape but to shepherd—to lead the flock to good pasture, to affirm that they are on the right road, to encourage. In writing to Titus, Paul mentions encouragement as one of those qualities that ought to be found in church leaders.

   I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. An elder must be well thought of for his good life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who are not wild or rebellious. An elder must live a blameless life because he is God’s minister. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered. He must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or greedy for money. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must love all that is good. He must live wisely and be fair. He must have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught. Then he will be able to encourage others with right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. (Titus 1:5-10)

But the priest needed to balance his affirmation of the people’s dedication to the Lord with an evaluation of the genuineness or otherwise of the dedication. When Saul greeted Samuel with a show of his obedience to the Lord, Samuel discerned that Saul’s dedication was not what it seemed to be.

   When Samuel finally found him, Saul greeted him cheerfully. “May the LORD bless you,” he said. “I have carried out the LORD’s command!”

   Then what is all the bleating of the sheep and lowing of cattle that I hear?” Samuel demanded. (1 Samuel 15:13-14)

It is far better however, for us to evaluate ourselves, to check where we really are in our spiritual pilgrimage. A good time to do this is when taking part in the communion service. Paul reminds us …

   So if anyone eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily, that person is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking from the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup unworthily, not honouring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgement upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died.

   But if we examine ourselves, we will not be examined by God and judged in this way. But when we are judged and disciplined by the Lord, we will not be condemned with the world. (1 Corinthians 11:27-32) … Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. (2 Corinthians 13:5a)

And even better still is to allow the Lord to check us out, even when we think we doing alright. Like David did when he prayed,

   Declare me innocent, O LORD, for I have acted with integrity. I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. Put me on trial, LORD, and cross examine me. Test my motives and affections. For I am constantly aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.

It is not only the pastor who is responsible for affirming the flock. Christians are to encourage each other. Paul commended the members of the church in Thessalonica for the way they did this.

   For God decided to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. He died for us so that we can live with him forever, whether we are dead or alive at the time of his return. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11)

Paul includes the ministry of encouragement among the spiritual gifts he refers to in his letters.

   God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it. If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (Romans 12:6-8)

And the author of the Hebrew treatise encourages us to encourage each other.

   Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:23-25)

In this account of the dedication service we notice that there was …

Support For Those Who Serve (vs. 16-18)

Part of the offering was to be set aside for the support of the priests. “Any of Aaron’s male descendants, from generation to generation, may eat of the grain offering because it is their regular share of the offerings given to the LORD by fire.” (vs. 18) Likewise today, it is right for those who minister, those who shepherd the flock, to be supported by those they minister to or on behalf of. Paul expressed his thanks to those in Philippi who supported him in his ministry. He also saw himself as being accountable to them. He was never wanting more than he needed. He likened their gifts to the part of the sacrificial offerings that provided support for the priests of old.

   At the moment I have all I need—more than I need! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable to God and pleases him. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches which have been given us in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:18-19)

And in one of his letters to Timothy Paul explains why Christians ought to support their leaders.

   Elders who do their work well should be paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘Do not keep an ox from eating as it treads out the grain.’[6] And in another place, ‘Those who work deserve their pay.’[7] (1 Timothy 5:17-18)

PRESENTING A MODEL OF THE DEDICATED LIFE (Leviticus 6:19-23)

Of great importance among these instructions for the priests of the Lord, was the requirement that the way they lived should give evidence of their dedication. The dedication of the priests took place in a formal ceremony in the tabernacle. It was a service in which the people were very much aware of the presence of the Lord. The instructions the Lord gave to Moses regarding the service conclude with this assurance;

   … and the Tabernacle will be sanctified by my glorious presence. Yes, I will make the Tabernacle and the altar most holy, and I will set apart Aaron and his sons as holy, that they may be my priests. I will live among the people of Israel and be their God, and they will know that I am the LORD their God. I am the one who brought them out of Egypt so that I could live among them. I am the LORD their God. (Exodus 29:43-46)

The dedication service however did not assume that the commitment would last. It is in the procedures given for the ordination offering that we see how the priest was required to renew his dedication to the Lord each day. He indicated the daily renewal of his dedication as he offered a sacrifice for himself. This offering symbolised the offering of himself in sacrificial service. Ross[8] comments …

   It was very important for the priest—and for the Christian minister—to maintain clearly and demonstrably a wholehearted dedication to the service of the Lord. He did this at his ordination, but it had to be perpetually visible to the people. God’s ministers could not expect the people to do what they were unwilling to do—not in Israel, not today.

The people also needed to see in his every day living a model of a dedicated life, some evidence of his dedication. Looking through the Scriptures we find some of the qualities that are to be seen in a life dedicated to the Lord.

A Wholehearted Devotion To The Lord

David encouraged his son Solomon to dedicate his life to the Lord with a devotion like that.

   And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work (1 Chronicles 28:9-10 NIV)

Genuineness Not Pretence

The Lord told Ezekiel to watch out for those who feigned devotion to the Lord.

   As for you, son of man, your countrymen are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, “Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD.” My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. (Ezekiel 33:30-31)

A Love For The Truths Of The Scriptures Not Myths

Paul encouraged the young pastor Timothy to concentrate all his energies on the teaching of the Scriptures.

   As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:3-5 NIV)

   Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

   Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Timothy 4:11-16 NIV)

Loving Service In The Interest Of Others

Paul was grateful for those who did just that. He mentions them in his letter to the church in Corinth.

   You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it. I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition. (1 Corinthians 16:15-18)

We also find in one of Paul’s letters some other qualities that ought to be seen in a life dedicated to the Lord. Paul’s life and ministry itself fill out the model a little more for  us. As we read the first part of the second chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians we notice his …

Straightforwardness

Paul did not beat around the bush. He did not speak in riddles. He did not waste words. He got straight to the point. He did not speak to impress others. He sought only to pass on the Gospel message that he had received and as he had experienced it. He tells us plainly, “I didn’t use lofty words and brilliant ideas to tell you God’s message.” (vs. 1) This reminds us of something Peter wrote …

   For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendour with our own eyes. And he received honour and glory from God the Father when God’s glorious majestic voice called down from heaven, “This is my beloved Son. I am fully pleased with him.” We ourselves heard the voice when we were there with him on the holy mountain.

   Because of that we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. Pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a light shining in a dark place—until the day Christ appears and his brilliant light shines in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:16-19)

Remaining Focussed

Paul tells us how careful he was to keep Christ at the centre of his life and teaching when he writes, “I didn’t use lofty words and brilliant ideas to tell you God’s message. For I decided to concentrate only on Jesus Christ and his death on the cross.” (vs. 2) He encourages Timothy to likewise focus on Christ, to not let competing  interests draw him aside.

   You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.

   Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. (2 Timothy 2:2-4)

Acknowledgment Of Inadequacy

Paul is not afraid to admit his weaknesses. He does not consider himself to be adequate for the ministry he has been called to. He shares his feelings with his readers as he reveals his nervousness, “I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling.” (vs. 3) In another letter to them he tells of the constant reminder he has of his inadequacy and of the way he is able to deal with it.

   I don’t want anyone to think more highly of me than what they can actually see in my life and message, even though I have received wonderful revelations from God. But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud.

   Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My gracious favour is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:6b-10)

Relying Entirely On The Holy Spirit

Paul sees it as his responsibility to remain focussed, to present the Gospel message clearly, and without high-sounding rhetoric. But in doing so he knows that in his weakness, he in inadequate to convince others of its truth. For this he looks to the Holy Spirit. He rejoices to see that the Lord in the person of the Holy Spirit is doing this for his readers, as he continues his letter to them. “I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. I did not use wise and persuasive speeches, but the Holy Spirit was powerful among you.” (vs. 3-4)

Later in his letter Paul adds, “For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk, it is living by God’s power.” (1 Corinthians 4:20)

When Zerubbabel, many years before, was facing opposition as he directed the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, Zechariah encouraged him with these words …

   This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel, “It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit ,” says the LORD Almighty. “Nothing, not even a mighty mountain will stand in Zerubbabel’s way. It will flatten out before him! Then Zerubbabel will set the final stone of the Temple in place., and the people will shout, “May God bless it! May God bless it!” (Zechariah 4:6-7)

We also see in Paul’s comments a further characteristic of the dedicated life when we read how he is …

Wanting People To Have Their Own Christian Experience

Paul wants his readers to trust the Lord to open the Scriptures to them personally, not to rely on the writings of others. He wants them to learn to walk hand in hand with the Lord, not to take the hand of another. He explains, “I did this so that you might trust the power of God rather than human wisdom.” (vs. 5) Paul is here emphasising what he had said at the start of his letter, when, after hearing about the divisions that were occurring as the result of people putting their trust in different leaders, he wrote …

   Now, dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your arguments, dear friends. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow  only Christ.” Can Christ be divided into pieces?

   Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptised in the name of Paul? I thank God that I did not baptise any of you except Crispus and Gaius, for now no one can say they were baptised in my name. (Oh yes, I also baptised the household of Stephanas. I don’t remember baptising anyone else.) For Christ didn’t send me to baptise, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speeches and high-sounding ideas, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power. (1 Corinthians 1:10-17)

Paul has left us a model for ministry. Like his, so God’s people of every age need to match what they say with a way of life that gives evidence of their dedication, just as it was for the priests in Israel. As well as presenting a grain offering that was ‘very pleasing to the Lord,’[9] they were also to live lives that were ‘pleasing to the Lord.’

Ross[10] draws this ageless application from the instructions given to the priests regarding the grain (meal) offering.

   The lesson from this priestly ritual for the meal offering is as follows … Ministers must assure worshippers that God accepts sincere dedication—not only by how they receive the acts of dedication but also by how they themselves live dedicated lives … if ministers themselves are properly dedicated to the Lord, the people will be inspired to make their commitments, and they will be convinced that such dedication  will make a difference in the work of the Lord. Not only will people be instructed from the preaching of the word to make their dedication offerings to the Lord (that is, themselves), they will be prompted by the example of their spiritual leaders. And not only will they find verbal affirmation for their dedication to the Lord, they will, like ancient Israel see it put to use. They will have a share in the ministry itself because their spiritual leaders understand what dedication means.

The challenge for the priests then, was To Keep The Fire Burning, To be Correctly Clothed, To Take Care Of Any Fallout From The Ministry, To Encourage The People, and To Present A Model Of The Dedicated Life. These instructions to the priests regarding the presentation of the Sin or Purification Offering also covered …

ASSURING THE REPENTANT OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS. (Lev. 6:24-30) 

Here are further instructions for the priests regarding the sin offering, explained in Leviticus 4-5:13. Several aspects emerge from these instructions that are also meaningful for us today.

Forgiveness Of Sin Can Be Received Only From The Lord (vs. 24-25)

This reminder comes from the instruction that “The animal given as a sin offering is most holy and must be slaughtered in the LORD’s presence at the place where the burnt offerings are slaughtered.” (vs. 25) For the source of forgiveness is not the ritual but the Lord. This is the assurance given to Moses on Mount Sinai …

   Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and called out his own name, ‘the LORD,’ as Moses stood there in his presence. He passed in front of Moses and said, “I am the LORD, I am the LORD, the merciful and gracious God. I am slow to anger and rich in unfailing love and faithfulness. I show this unfailing love to many thousands by forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. Even so I do not leave sin unpunished, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations.” (Exodus 34:5-7)

The religious leaders in Israel also acknowledged that forgiveness could come only from the Lord. When Jesus said to a person he had just healed, “My son, your sins are forgiven,” they, rejecting the implication in his statement that he was in fact God, retorted, “Who but God can forgive sins!”[11] A true statement but a darkened understanding because of their unwillingness to recognise Jesus as God.

The apostles however understood it well. They were constantly preaching the message of God’s forgiveness through Christ. As did Paul and his missionary band when in Antioch

   Now Paul and those with him left Paphos  by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned  to Jerusalem. But Barnabas and Paul travelled inland to Antioch of Pisidia.

   On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services. After the usual readings from the books of Moses and from the Prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for us, come and give it!”

   So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet them, and started speaking. “People of Israel,” he said, “and you devout Gentiles who fear the God of Israel, listen to me.”

………

   “Brothers, listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is freed from all guilt and declared right with God—something the Jewish law could never do. Be careful! Don’t let the prophet’s words apply to you. For they said,

   ‘Look you mockers, be amazed and die! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.’ “  (Acts 13:13-16, 38-41)

The message of God’s forgiveness is always prominent in Paul’s letters. For example, in his letter to God’s people in Ephesus we read,

   So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly beloved Son. He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son and our sins are forgiven. (Ephesians 1:6-7)

Before he can begin to assure the people of God’s forgiveness for them he must acknowledge that …

The Priest Also Is In Need Of Forgiveness (vs. 26)

By eating his portion in view of the people in the courtyard the priest acknowledged his own sinfulness and need of God’s forgiveness, just like the people the served. “The priest who offers the sacrifice may eat his portion in a sacred place within the courtyard of the Tabernacle.” (vs. 26) Ross[12] explains how this is relevant for those who serve in the church today.

   All human ministers stand before God on the same basis as the worst sinner—the shed blood of Christ. In Israel the people knew that the priest himself was a sinner, for they witnessed his purification offerings and his confession (which they might not actually hear, but could see.) The priest may have been ahead of the people spiritually, but he was a recipient of grace like them. Leaders must certainly demonstrate righteousness by their relationship to the LORD. But they must never lose sight that they too are sinners and that their lives must be regularly examined through God’s word. No one can tell others to renew their hearts and cleanse their souls if they themselves do not regularly purify their hearts.

For us today Jesus Christ has accomplished all that the high priests of old made possible for the people then—by his own sacrificial death on a cross, not for himself for he was sinless, but a once only sacrifice for all people. He has made possible for us today a new covenant relationship with God. This is pictured in his institution of the Lord’s Supper of remembrance with his disciples …

   Then he took a loaf of bread. And when he had thanked God for it, he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples saying, “This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This wine is the token of God’s new covenant to save you—an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you.” (Luke 22:19)

In contrasting Jesus in his sinlessness to the priests of old in their sinfulness, a New Testament writer explains the basis of this new covenant …

   Because of God’s oath, it is Jesus who guarantees the effectiveness of this better covenant.

   Another difference is that there were many priests under the old system. When one priest died, another had to take his place. But Jesus remains a priest forever. His priesthood will never end. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through him. He lives forever to plead with God on their behalf.

   He is the kind of priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has now been set apart from sinners, and he has been given the highest place of honour in heaven. He does not need to offer sacrifices every day like the other high priests. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he sacrificed himself on the cross. Those who were high priests under the law of Moses were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made perfect forever. (Hebrews 7:22-28)

The Sacrificial Offering Must Never Be Approached Carelessly (vs. 27-30)

Care was to be taken with the utensils used in the service. Bowls were able to be properly washed but clay pots being porous could not be completely cleaned and so had to be broken up and cast aside. Clothes that had come in contact with the blood must be thoroughly washed. Ross[13] notes that this was not a service to be approached lightly …

   In sum, the ritual was designed for the forgiveness of sins. And since the ritual blood had that distinct purpose, it was sacred. It could not be treated carelessly, as if it were ordinary.

There is a lesson in this for us today. Paul mentions it in one of his letters to the church in Corinth. Writing of the people’s conduct at the communion services Paul reminds them …

   For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.

   So if anyone eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily, that person is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking from the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup unworthily, not honouring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgement upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died. (1 Corinthians 11:26-30)

ASSISTING IN THE RECONCILIATION PROCESS (Leviticus 7:1-10)

Moses now passes on further instructions regarding the guilt offering described in Leviticus 5:14-6-7. The guilt offering provided for setting things right, of making reparation, the giving of compensation for a wrong committed. In these instructions the priests are reminded that an important part of their ministry was to encourage the people to set things right with those they had done harm to. This is not always an easy task, as Ross[14] says …

   The ministry of reconciliation includes the ability to discern genuine repentance in people, to advise them how to make restitution, and to assure them of forgiveness. These are the concerns of the reparation offering.

   It will soon be obvious that the kind of spiritual activity envisioned in this sacrifice is hard to develop in a congregation. The reparation covered financial matters—defrauding God or other people—sins that were often unknown to others. People made this offering only if they were truly convinced in their hearts to make things right. This offering was thus one of the more significant offerings for the spiritual life. Its performance was evidence of true repentance because the guilty person was moved to repay what had been taken, even though reparation cost more than what was taken.

The guilt offering is closely related to the burnt offering, which made provision for the forgiveness of sins. “The animal sacrificed as a guilt offering must be slaughtered where the burnt offerings are slaughtered, and its blood sprinkled against the sides of the altar.” (vs. 2) It makes sense for this connection with the burnt offering because making things right with those we have wronged should always follow on the heels of our acceptance of God’s forgiveness. Making compensation is one aspect of what John the Baptist referred to as the “fruits of repentance.”[15]

Zacchaeus for example, was quick to set things right with those he had collected more tax from than he should have. Repenting of his sin he was quick to repair his relationship with those he had robbed. The compensation he offered did not purchase God’s forgiveness but followed on from it. The compensation attested the genuineness of his repentance.

   Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have overcharged people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

   Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a son of Abraham. And I, the Son of Man, have come to seek and to save those like him who are lost.” (Luke 19:8-10)

To help the people in making things right with those they had done harm to we can see in these instructions the priest …

Encouraging The People To Bring Their Guilt Offering To The Tabernacle (vs. 3-5)

Ross[16] points to some examples when he says …

   Some of the prophetic oracles provide a hint as to what these encouragements and calls might have been (see Isaiah 1:10-17, Amos 5:4-15, Joel 2:12-17). They appealed very directly for people to put away evil, learn to do right, bring the appropriate sacrifices, and worship with righteousness and truth.

Turning to Joel for example, we read …

   That is why the LORD says, “Turn to me now, while there is time! Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief. Instead, tear your hearts.”

   Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered. He is filled with kindness and is eager not to punish you. Who knows? Perhaps even yet he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this terrible curse. Perhaps he will give you so much that you will be able to offer grain and wine to the LORD your God as before!

   Blow the trumpet in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting. Call the people together for a solemn meeting. (Joel 2:12-15)

Encouraged by the priest, the people bring their guilt offerings to make for reconciliation with those they had wronged. The officiating priest then presents them to the Lord on behalf of the people, “… as an offering to the LORD made by fire.” (vs. 5b)

Assuring The People Of God’s Acceptance Of The Offering (vs. 6)

It was in the priest’s eating from the sacrifice that the people were assured that God had accepted it. We today of course have no need to bring such sacrificial offerings to the Lord for it has all been done for us in Christ’s once and for all sacrificial death for the sins of all of the world’s people. I wonder if the disciples discerned any connection with this former system of sacrifices when he said to them on one occasion, “I have food to eat that you nothing about,” (John 4:32 NIV)

These further instructions regarding the guilt offering conclude with a reminder to the people that …

The Priest Is Entitled To Their Support (vs. 7-10)

It is made clear to the people that along with the meat from the sacrifice, “All other grain offerings, whether flour mixed with olive oil or dry flour, are to be shared among all the priests and their sons.” (vs. 10). Ross[17] writes …

   It is not surprising that priests received benefits from their ministry. They also received benefits when confessing worshipers brought the purification and reparation offerings. Not only did they eat the meat, but they also received the skins. In addition to providing clothing for the families of the priests, no doubt a lively trade could have been sustained from the skins taken from the sacrifices. God takes care of those who minister, through the giving of worshipers. Those whose spiritual needs are met give to the work of the Lord, and the ministers then direct the use of what is given. The entire system was designed both for the spiritual satisfaction of the worshiper and the practical needs of the priest in service.

   It would have been difficult for priests to discern whether a sacrifice was brought with the proper attitude, but in the case of the reparation offering it would have been highly unlikely for someone to make such a costly reparation if unrepentant or insincere.

Paul reminded the members of the church in Corinth of their responsibility to support those who ministered to them.

   What soldier has to pay his own expenses? And have you ever heard of a farmer who harvests his crop and doesn’t have the right to eat some of it? What shepherd takes care of a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? And this isn’t merely human opinion. Doesn’t God’s law say the same thing? For the law of Moses says, “Do not keep an ox from eating as it treads out the grain.” Do you suppose God was thinking only about oxen when he said this? Wasn’t he also speaking to us? Of course he was. Just as farm workers who plough fields and thresh grain expect a share of the harvest, Christian workers should be paid by those theory serve. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10)

The priest’s ministry to his people should also help in …

MAINTAINING  A PEACEFUL COMMUNITY (Leviticus 7:11-36)

We now come to further instructions for the priests regarding the peace offering, described in Leviticus 3:1-17. As priest in presenting guidelines for life in the community, as pastor reminding its members of the Biblical principles to be followed, as shepherd leading his flock to lush pastures for the food they need, he would want his ministry to encourage his people in ways that make for a peaceful community. And so for the pastor today—he should desire a ministry that produces in his congregation a growing sense of …

Thankfulness At All Times (vs. 12-15)

There were different kinds of peace offering, each painting a picture of something reflective of life that makes for a peaceful community. The peace offering could be offered with thankfulness in mind. “If you present your peace offering as a thanksgiving offering, the usual animal sacrifice must be accompanied by various kinds of bread—loaves, wafers and cakes—all made without yeast and soaked with olive oil. This peace offering of thanksgiving must also be accompanied by loaves of yeast bread. One of each kind must be presented as a gift to the LORD. This bread will then belong to the priest who sprinkles the altar with blood from the sacrificed animal.” (vs. 12-14)

There is just so much for God’s people to be thankful for.

-   the Lord himself.

     Shout with joy to the LORD, O Earth. Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving. Go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. (Psalm 100:1-5)

-   the gift of salvation.

   Thank God for his Son—a gift too wonderful for words! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

   For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it but save it. (John 3:16-17)

   God saved you by his special favour when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this, it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:8-10

-   for what the Lord does for us.

   I think you ought to know, dear friends, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. And he did deliver us from mortal danger. And we are confident that he will continue to deliver us. He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us. As a result, many will give thanks to God because so many people’s prayers for our safety have been answered. (2 Corinthians 1:8-11)

-   what he is doing in the lives of others.

   Let me say first of all that your faith in God is becoming known throughout the world. How I thank God through Jesus Christ for each one of you. God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by telling others the Good News about his Son. (Romans 1:8-9)

   Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners  in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.  And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again. (Philippians 1:3-6)

-   everything that happens to us.

   Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:18-20)

   And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)

-   for the hope we have of the future.

   “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days, when you pray, I will listen.” (Jeremiah 29:11-12)

-   the ministry he has given us.

   How thankful I am to Christ Jesus our Lord for considering me trustworthy and appointing me to serve him, even though I used to scoff at the name of Christ. I hunted down his people, harming them in every way I could. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how kind and gracious the Lord was! He filled me completely with faith and the love of Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:12-14)

In these further instructions to the priest concerning the peace offering we also see the need for a ministry that results in a growing sense of …

Commitment No Matter What The Cost (vs. 16-18)

This is the lesson that arises from those times when the peace offering was brought as “an offering to fulfil a vow or as a freewill offering …” (vs. 16) The priest then, the pastor today, is required to make the cost of discipleship clear to the congregation. Jesus spoke of commitment to him as being the taking up of a cross as he did.

   Great crowds were following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, “If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me.

   But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if there is enough money to pay the bills? Otherwise you might complete only the foundation before running out of funds. And then how everyone would laugh at you! They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and ran out of money before it was finished.’ ” (Luke 14:25-30)

Having counted the cost, commitment to the Lord also involves our trusting him to lead us along the path of his will. As Solomon advises us …

   Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil. Then you will regain health and vitality. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

David offers this assurance for those who commit their way to the Lord …

   Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:3-7)

And Solomon assures us of the Lord’ help in our decision making as we maintain our commitment to him.

   We can gather our thoughts, but the LORD gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. Commit your work to the LORD, and then your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:1-3)

Having counted the cost and trusting the Lord in our commitment to him, we can leave everything that happens to us along the way in his capable hands. Paul shares this experience with the young pastor Timothy.

      And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News. And that is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. (2 Timothy 1:11-12)

A ministry that is honouring to God ought also to have in its sights ...

Purity As A Top Priority (vs. 19-21)

Why is purity so important? Because it is possible for impurity to creep in among God’s people even where there is thankfulness and commitment. James was aware of the way impurity could find it way in among the congregation when motives were not right. He writes of his concern for the ‘Jewish Christians scattered among the nations’[18] …

   What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it the whole army of evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can’t possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it. And even when you do ask, you don’t get it because your whole motive is wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. (James 4:1-3)

Paul advised his readers to take seriously the need to maintain lives of purity.

   And now dear friends, let me say one more thing I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honourable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9

He leaves this advice for all pastors.

   Do not participate in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. (1 Timothy 5:22b)

Scrolling through the Scriptures we notice that the pure in heart …

-   enjoy the blessing of God

God blesses those who hearts are pure, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)

-   find protection in the Lord

God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. (Psalm 7:10)

-   experience the joy of the Lord

   Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! (Psalm 32:10-11)

   Light shines on the godly, and joy on those who do right. May all who are godly be happy in the LORD and praise his holy name! (Psalm 97:11-12)

-   are able to praise the Lord with all their hearts

   Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him. Let all the upright in heart praise him. (Psalm 64:10 NIV)

   I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. (Psalm 119:7 NIV)

And now finally in these instructions for the priests regarding the peace offering they, and we today, are reminded that ministry is …

Not For Ourselves But For The Lord (vs. 22-36)

Ministry is not to be used as a means for building kingdoms for ourselves. It is for the building up of the Kingdom of God. Paul was aware of this. He saw his ministry as a gift, never to be misused.

   And so, since God in his mercy has given us this wonderful ministry, we never give up. We reject all shameful and underhanded methods. We do not try to trick anyone, and we do not distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know that. (2 Corinthians  4:1-2)

   … if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV)

The reminder that ministry is not for our benefit but always for the Lord, is pictured for us in the instructions that the best portions of the peace offering were to be set aside for him.

Not for ourselves (vs. 22-27)

Neither the fat nor the blood associated with the offering was to be eaten. “You must never eat fat, whether from oxen or sheep or goats … Even in your homes you must never eat the blood of any kind of bird or animal.” (vs. 23b, 26) Why did the Lord ask Moses to pass on these instructions to the people? Because, as Ross[19] explains …

   … fat in the Old Testament was considered symbolic of the best portion. A worshipper presented a fat animal for sacrifice because it was the best of the flock. This clearly means that many times the word fat refers to more than what we consider the actual fat. It could refer to the best portions of the healthiest animals. The concept was first introduced in the narrative about Cain and Abel. Abel brought the ‘fattest of the firstborn of the flock’[20] to God.

   The blood was also to be given to the Lord. As with fat, no one could eat blood. Both elements were exclusively the Lord’s. If fat represented the best, the blood represented life—the essential part of the animal. God put his claim on these elements. He demanded them for his own exclusive possession. To take and eat them plundered what was holy.[21]

But for the Lord (vs. 28-36)

From what is being shared at the communal meal associated with the peace offering, the best portions were to be set aside for the Lord. These were to be given to the Lord by the priest himself, not by someone else on his behalf. “When you present a peace offering to the LORD, bring part of it as a special gift to the LORD. Present it to him with your own hands as an offering given to the LORD by fire. Bring the fat of the animal, together with the breast, and present it to the LORD by lifting it up before him.” (vs. 28b-30)

A Portion Returned To The Priests. (vs. 31)

After the ‘fat of the animal together with the breast’ was presented to the Lord in a wave offering, the breast was given back for the priests. “Then the priest will burn the fat on the altar, but the breast will belong to Aaron and his sons. You are to give the right thigh of your peace offering to the priest as a gift.” (vs. 31-32) There is always a return for what is given to the Lord—for the sacrificial service that is offered to him. Jesus spoke of this one day in conversation with his disciples.

   Then Peter began to mention all that he and the other disciples had left behind. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said.

   And Jesus replied, “I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and the Good News, will receive now in return, a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—with persecutions. And in the world to come they will have eternal life. But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then.” (Mark 10:28-31)

In another layer of the picture here is the reminder that those called into ministry are worthy of support from those they minister to. When Jesus sent his disciples ahead of him on a teaching mission in the towns and villages he was planning to visit, he said to them …

   “Go now, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don’t take along any money, or a traveller’s bag, or even an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.

   Whenever you enter a home, give it your blessing. If those who live there are worthy, the blessing will stand. If they are not, the blessing will return to you. When you enter a town, don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide you. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.” (Luke 10:3-7)