What offerings in Ezra 3:5 symbolize dedication and commitment to God today? Setting the Scene Jerusalem’s altar is rebuilt, smoke is rising again, and Ezra records four distinct offerings. Each points forward to Christ’s finished work and, at the same time, sketches a template for wholehearted devotion today. The Offerings in Ezra 3:5 • “the regular burnt offerings” • “the New Moon offerings” • “all the appointed feasts of the LORD that were consecrated” • “the freewill offerings brought to the LORD” Regular Burnt Offerings – Daily Surrender • Purpose then: a whole animal consumed in fire morning and evening (Exodus 29:38-42). Nothing held back. • Fulfillment in Christ: “We have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). • Call today: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1-2). – Daily Scripture intake, prayer, and obedience. – Placing every thought, schedule, and relationship on the altar without reservation. New Moon Offerings – Fresh Beginnings • Purpose then: first day of every month acknowledged God as owner of all time (Numbers 28:11-15). • Fulfillment in Christ: He is “the Alpha and the Omega” (Revelation 22:13), Lord of every new season. • Call today: – Regular reevaluation of goals and priorities in light of God’s kingdom. – First-fruits giving: the first portion of income, energy, and opportunities returned to Him. – Practicing confession and renewal whenever the calendar turns—weekly, monthly, yearly. Appointed Feast Offerings – Celebrating Redemption Together • Purpose then: sacrifices at Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, and the rest (Leviticus 23). They rehearsed God’s salvation history. • Fulfillment in Christ: “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Call today: – Corporate worship on the Lord’s Day (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Honoring Christ in Christmas, Resurrection Sunday, communion, baptism—events that proclaim His work. – Joyful gatherings that remind the community who God is and what He has done. Freewill Offerings – Voluntary Love Gifts • Purpose then: gifts beyond what was required (Deuteronomy 16:10). They flowed from gratitude, not obligation. • Fulfillment in Christ: “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9); His generosity stirs ours. • Call today: – Financial giving that surpasses the tithe when God prompts (2 Corinthians 9:7). – Offering talents, hospitality, praise, and acts of mercy “continually” (Hebrews 13:15-16). – Spontaneous obedience to the Spirit’s nudges, saying, “Everything I am and have is Yours.” Living It Out Ezra’s worshipers modeled a rhythm: continual surrender, regular renewal, communal celebration, and voluntary generosity. In Christ the substance has come, yet these patterns still guide a life that is wholly set apart. As 1 Peter 2:5 affirms, believers are “being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” |
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