“Introduction to The Grain Offering”

I believe that, indeed, the first mistake we make when approaching Leviticus is to think that nothing in this book is applicable to us today. The only thing that is not applicable is the fact that we do not have to sacrifice animals, bring any special food before the Lord or follow laws that were specific of those days. I am speaking mostly, of the sanitary laws. However, this book is significant, crucial and meaningful in our pursue of growing in our knowledge of Christ.

The second mistake that we make when approaching Leviticus is to simply generalize and state, “Well, all of these offerings point to Jesus.” Even as the statement is true, it becomes a lazy justification for us not going any deeper in the study of this fascinating book. 2 Peter 3:17-18 tells us,

You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (NKJV)

We are called to grow in grace, but also to grow in our knowledge of Christ Jesus. That knowledge will come by super natural revelation, but also by taking the time to study and showing ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15)

These sacrifices are mention all through the Old Testament and, if you look closely, you will quickly notice that Leviticus is not ignored in the New Testament either. As a matter of fact, there are constant references to Leviticus.

 Introduction

As we enter the discussion on the Grain Offering, I quickly realize that there is so much to understand here. Honestly, there is so much I don’t understand yet. I feel like I have been closing my eyes to something I should have looked at, long time ago.

The Grain Offering was described as a memorial, as an aroma pleasing to the Lord and as most holy. It is not to be taken lightly. Leviticus 2:1-3 tells us,

‘When anyone offers a grain offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour. And he shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense on it. 2 He shall bring it to Aaron’s sons, the priests, one of whom shall take from it his handful of fine flour and oil with all the frankincense. And the priest shall burn it as a memorial on the altar, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord. 3 The rest of the grain offering shall be Aaron’s and his sons’. It is most holy of the offerings to the Lord made by fire. (NKJV)

 Purpose of the Grain Offering

A memorial is basically something that has been established with the intentions of being remembered for generations to come.  It is fair to say that every time somebody presented this offering before the Lord it was a way of saying, remember this. There is nothing that indicated that this offering was mandatory.

Offerings are an act of worship; the grain offering was not the exception. The Burnt Offering, The Sin and the Trespass Offerings were related to sin; either our nature as sinners or sins committed. The Grain Offering, however, was different in nature. The Grain Offering was the only one that did not required the shedding of blood. Many view this offering as an act of thanksgiving to the Lord. This was also an offering were the sacrifice was shared with the priests.

To be continued…