What does the grain offering in Leviticus 9:17 symbolize in our worship today? The Grain Offering in the Inauguration Service “And he presented the grain offering, took a handful of it, and burned it on the altar in addition to the morning’s burnt offering.” (Leviticus 9:17) Aaron’s very first public act as high priest included this simple handful of flour poured onto the flames. The scene is packed with meaning for worshipers today. What the Grain Offering Meant Then • A gift of daily bread: fine flour—Israel’s staple—acknowledged God as Provider (Leviticus 2:1). • Work of human hands: the grain was plowed, harvested, ground, and sifted. It offered back to God the fruit of ordinary labor (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). • Pure and seasoned: no leaven or honey (sin and corruption), but seasoned with salt (covenant faithfulness) (Leviticus 2:11-13). • Linked to atonement: it followed the burnt offering, showing that thanksgiving flows out of forgiveness already secured (Leviticus 9:15-17). How the Symbol Carries Into New-Covenant Worship 1. Christ, the true bread, fulfills it • John 6:35—“I am the bread of life.” • Hebrews 10:5-10—His body offered once for all. Every grain offering pointed ahead to Jesus, who gave His perfect life in place of our flawed gifts. 2. Our thankful dedication of everyday resources • Romans 12:1—“present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” • Colossians 3:17—whatever you do “in word or deed,” do for Him. We bring our time, skills, earnings, and meals under His lordship, just as Israel brought flour. 3. Support for gospel ministry • Leviticus 2:3—the priests ate the remainder. • 1 Corinthians 9:13-14—those who preach the gospel “should receive their living from the gospel.” Modern giving fuels the service of those set apart to teach and shepherd. 4. Worship marked by purity and covenant loyalty • 1 Corinthians 5:7-8—celebrate “with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” • Matthew 5:13—we are “the salt of the earth,” preserving His testimony. Our gatherings and private devotion must be free from hypocrisy, filled with integrity, and seasoned with faithfulness. Practical Ways to Offer Our “Handful of Flour” Today • Set aside the first portion of income before any other expense, demonstrating trust in His provision. • Invite Him into daily tasks—answering emails, parenting, mowing the lawn—as acts of worship. • Prepare for Sunday by confessing sin, reconciling relationships, and arriving with thanksgiving already on your lips (Psalm 100:4). • Share meals with fellow believers, thanking Christ whose broken body is our true bread (Acts 2:46-47). • Support pastors, missionaries, and ministries that faithfully proclaim Scripture. Living the Picture The grain offering reminds us that worship is not confined to sacred spaces; it includes every loaf baked, every spreadsheet balanced, every dollar tithed. Under the cross, forgiven people gladly pour a “handful” of their ordinary lives onto the altar, and the aroma still rises heavenward. |
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