Today's Passage: Leviticus 1

In Hebrew, the book of Leviticus was named Vayikra, meaning "And He Called". Sometimes it seems the Book of Leviticus is difficult to grasp, but in Jewish education it is the first book taught to children. Learning God's character and will in matters of holiness are foundational in understanding what pleases Him.

Today's chapter focuses on instructions for the burnt offering in great detail. It is very easy to get caught up (or distracted by) the detailed instructions on how to lay the offering on the altar, how to cut it, and what to do with the parts.

But if you have read the end of the book, you already know that the key to a sacrifice that pleases Him started long before the altar. In verse 3: "...If his offering is a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish; he shall offer it of his own free will at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord."

Imagine the attitude of the heart involved in this exercise. It is most likely there were quite a few male animals without blemish. But the man sacrificing would know what the absolute best of his flock was. The temptation to keep the best to himself and offer what was satisfactory was always present. And since it was to be of his own free will (not pressured from anyone), he truly had a choice of what to offer. It is this nuance that is the large divide between service to a loving Father and legalism.

When we give less than our best, it shows clearly we either do not understand who we are serving, or we are fearful (and thus make Him less than He is).

The world would offer religion to satisfy a conscience so that man can continue to do what is right in his own eyes without regard to His Creator. A relationship of faith in Christ, however, is that: a relationship. There are still very practical steps to blessing in life. But without the relationship they are empty and meaningless, and will bear no fruit.

May you take notice of what you are offering up today for this day of life you have been given, and may you willfully give Him your best with joy and without reservation.