In what ways does Ezekiel 46:11 connect to New Testament teachings on worship? The verse in focus “ At the festivals and appointed feasts, the grain offering shall be an ephah with a bull, an ephah with a ram, and with the lambs as much as one is willing to give, along with a hin of oil with every ephah.” (Ezekiel 46:11) What stands out in Ezekiel 46:11 • Specific, measured offerings (ephah, hin) show order and reverence • Given “at the festivals and appointed feasts” — corporate, regular worship • “As much as one is willing to give” introduces voluntary generosity alongside required portions • Grain and oil point to daily provision, acknowledging God as sustainer Fulfillment in Christ’s perfect sacrifice • Old-covenant offerings foreshadow “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) • Colossians 2:16-17: “These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.” • Because Jesus satisfied every sacrificial requirement (Hebrews 10:12-14), worship now centers on His completed work rather than repeated grain or animal offerings New Testament parallels in worship • Voluntary generosity: “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Living sacrifices: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1) • Spiritual offerings: “You yourselves, like living stones…to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) • Continual praise: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” (Hebrews 13:15) • Corporate rhythm: “Do not neglect meeting together…encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25) • Worship in spirit and truth, not restricted to a temple schedule (John 4:23-24) Shared themes between Ezekiel and the New Covenant • Ordered worship — God, not personal preference, sets the pattern • Generous, willing hearts — offerings flow from gratitude, not coercion • Corporate gathering — appointed times in Ezekiel mirror the church assembling regularly • Recognition of divine provision — grain/oil then, daily bread and spiritual blessings now • Centrality of blood atonement — shadowed by lambs, fulfilled in Christ Living it out today • Honor God’s order: plan gathered worship around His Word and Christ’s work • Give freely and proportionately, acknowledging every resource comes from Him • Offer “grain and oil” equivalents—time, talents, finances—with joy • Let every assembly echo Hebrews 13:16: “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” |
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