God Speaks Concerning Sacrifice – Article 1
(Leviticus 1:1-17)
In the book of Leviticus, God speaks (dictates) His Word directly to Moses. He gives minute details of five different sacrifices to be offered of which three are voluntary and two are necessary. All of these sacrifices represent the future sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Himself. They are also pictures of the way every believer ought to be a living sacrifice to God. In examining these Old Testament sacrifices, let’s look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and His great sacrifice for the world. Let’s also examine ourselves to evaluate what type of living sacrifice we are for the Lord God!
God desires sacrifice that is pure. The burnt sacrifice of the Old Testament was to be without blemish (1:3). Jesus Christ was a one-time for ever sacrifice without blemish or spot (1 Peter 1:19). Believers today are to be living sacrifices, holy, without spot, and blameless (Roman 12:1, 2 Peter 3:14). One of the reasons God gave in Malachi for the judgment on Israel was their carelessness in offering sacrifices that were lame, blind, and blemished. How often do we give God as a living sacrifice less than He requires?
God desires sacrifice that is voluntary. The burnt sacrifice was to be offered “ . . . of his own voluntary will.” Jesus Christ also expressed a concern about what he knew to be God’s will, but willingly laid down His life for the world. In John 10:17, He said, “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.” In Romans 12:1, we are told to do the same as a living sacrifice. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” As a living sacrifice to God, are you presenting yourself voluntarily or is your service being mandated by someone else, an organization, or are you serving for some other motive?
God desires sacrifice to be presented at the door. I need not remind you that the tabernacle is a type of the atoning work of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 tells us He dwelt (tabernacled) among men. Jesus need not present Himself at the door of the tabernacle, He is the Door. He is the only means to pass from the curse of sin to service for the God of heaven. Every sinner must come to Jesus Christ for atonement of sin before he can ever please God. John 10:9 declares, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved. It is our business as ministers of the Gospel to bring people to the Door, Jesus Christ.
As living sacrifices for God, be holy in all of your personal and ministry responsibilities and activities. Too many are carelessly serving without concern for spots and blemishes today! Keep yourself pure and holy! As you serve as a missionary, serve God of your own voluntary will. No one should have to be constantly prodding you to do your service to the God of heaven. Serve voluntarily and victoriously. What a blessing to have entered God’s service through the Door of salvation! Be busy always bringing others to the Door for atonement for sin and salvation! Be a holy living sacrifice that is a sweet savor and acceptable unto the Lord!
