The Meat Offering
Today’s Verse:
And when any will offer a meat offering unto the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon: ~Leviticus 2:1
The central theme in the book of Leviticus is “holiness”. God tells us, “Be ye holy, even as I am holy.” The implication behind the word “holy” is something that is set apart for a sacred purpose. In setting the tone for this magnificent Christian life theme, the book of Leviticus starts off by giving instructions concerning the various offerings that were to be offered. This morning, we are considering the meat or the meal offering. The meal offering is a symbolic type of our Lord Jesus Christ, and speaks volumes to us about his Excellency.
It speaks of his perfect essence.
“And when any will offer a meat offering unto the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour.” Fine flour speaks of his deity. Our Lord Jesus Christ was 100% man while also being 100% God. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the God-Man. Fine flour has no flaw or imperfection to it. Our Lord Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin. There was no sin our guile found in him. He is the Lamb without blemish. This fine flour would be made into unleavened cakes. Unleavened speaks of his sinless essence. Let us rejoice that we have a Savior who is sinless, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners.
It speaks of his peculiar election.
“And he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon.” Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was anointed of God for his ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Isa. 61:1 describes our Lord’s anointing as such: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Then, frankincense speaks of Jesus in his role as our Great High Priest. Jesus came as the suffering servant of God. By his own testimony, he came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and give his life a ransom for many.
It speaks of his painful endurance.
“And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil.” In vs. 9, it says it is an offering made by fire. The oven and fire are symbolic of afflictions, trial, and suffering. Jesus suffered criticism and censure. Jesus suffered a cruel scourging. Jesus suffered by being crucified on the cross for every sinner. There on that cross, “He was wounded for our transgessions, he was brusied for our iniquity, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed.” Jesus suffered by tasting death for every man.
It speaks of a personal engagement.
“And that which is left of the meat offering shall be Aaron’s and his sons’: it is a thing most holy of the offerings of the Lord made by fire.” The meal offering speaks of close and intimate fellowship with our Lord. The High Priest and his sons were to eat that would be left over. God desires that we draw near to him and he will draw near to us. Jesus said, “If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall what ye will and it shall be done unto you.” Our highest priority and privilege as God’s people is to fellowship often with our Lord. Don’t let your service to the Lord hinder your fellowship with the Lord.
Just as our family meal times should be a time of fellowship with one another, make sure you schedule fellowship time with the Lord, and not lose that softness we need in our walk with him.
Have a close-knit God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Matthew 20-21