How does Leviticus 1:9 encourage us to offer our best to God? Reading the Verse “ But its entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD.” (Leviticus 1:9) The Act of Washing — Purity Before the Lord • The worshiper cleanses the inmost parts (“entrails”) and the daily walk (“legs”). • Nothing unclean or half-prepared is placed on the altar, underscoring that God deserves offerings free from defilement. • 1 John 1:9 reminds that confession and cleansing remain vital before presenting ourselves to Him. Burning All of It — Total Consecration • “Burn all of it” expresses wholehearted surrender; nothing is withheld. • Romans 12:1 echoes this dynamic in New-Covenant language: “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” • The complete consumption of the animal pictures an undivided heart devoted to the Lord. A Pleasing Aroma — God Delights in Excellent Offerings • When purity and totality combine, God receives the sacrifice as “an aroma pleasing.” • Malachi 1:8 shows the opposite: blemished gifts dishonor Him. • 2 Samuel 24:24 illustrates that costly offerings communicate reverence and love. Offering Our Best Today • Time – set aside quality, not leftover, moments for worship and service. • Talents – employ skills fully, whether singing, teaching, serving, or leading. • Treasure – honor Him with firstfruits, not afterthoughts (Proverbs 3:9). • Character – pursue holiness in private and public life, allowing the Spirit to “wash” motives and actions. • Work – “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Scriptures that Echo the Principle • Psalm 51:17 – “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” • Hebrews 13:15 – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” • Philippians 4:18 – Generous giving is “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Leviticus 1:9 invites every believer to purity, completeness, and excellence in devotion, assuring that such offerings rise as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. |
    |