In what ways can we offer our "peace offerings" in daily life? Understanding the Old Testament Peace Offering - Leviticus 3 and 7 present the peace (or “fellowship”) offering as a voluntary sacrifice celebrating restored fellowship with God. - A portion was burned, a portion went to the priests, and the rest was shared in a meal—symbolizing communion with God and community (Leviticus 7:15). - Its Hebrew name, shelamim, is rooted in shalom—wholeness, harmony, well-being. Christ Fulfills the Peace Offering - “He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). At Calvary, Jesus provided the once-for-all sacrifice that reconciles us to God (Colossians 1:20). - Through Him, believers have continual access to “draw near with a sincere heart” (Hebrews 10:22). Practical Ways to Offer Peace Offerings Today We no longer bring animals to an altar, yet we live out the reality those sacrifices foreshadowed. Here are everyday “peace offerings” that please the Lord: 1. Praise and Thanksgiving - “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). - Start and end each day vocalizing gratitude; sing, journal, testify of His goodness. 2. Reconciliation with People - “First be reconciled to your brother” (Matthew 5:23-24). - Initiate apologies, forgive quickly, refuse to nurture grudges—each act mirrors the peace Christ secured. 3. Shared Meals that Honor God - The original peace offering ended in a communal feast. - Invite others to your table, pray together, celebrate God’s provision; hospitality becomes a living parable of fellowship (Acts 2:46). 4. Generous Giving - “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). - Budget generosity: support gospel work, relieve needs, surprise someone with anonymous help. 5. Acts of Kindness and Service - “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). - Volunteer, mentor, run errands for the elderly, encourage coworkers—tangible deeds wrapped in Christlike peace. 6. Peacemaking in Conflict - “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). - Mediate disputes, speak calming words, refuse gossip; bring harmony where tension reigns. 7. Sabbath Rest and Trust - Peace offerings expressed contentment in God. - Build rhythms of rest, cease striving, trust His provision (Psalm 46:10). 8. Participation in the Lord’s Supper - The table of communion echoes the peace-offering meal. - Approach with reverence and joy, celebrating the finished work that unites us (1 Corinthians 10:16). Scripture Snapshots for Meditation - Leviticus 7:11-15 — thanksgiving portion - Psalm 116:17 — “I will offer to You a sacrifice of thanksgiving” - Philippians 4:6-7 — peace guarding hearts - Colossians 3:15 — let the peace of Christ rule - 1 Peter 2:5 — spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ Living each day in praise, reconciliation, generosity, and service turns ordinary moments into fragrant “peace offerings,” celebrating the harmony secured for us in Christ. |
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