How does Leviticus 2:6 guide us in offering our best to God? Setting the Scene • The grain offering in Leviticus 2 followed the burnt offering. Blood had already dealt with sin; now the worshiper brought the work of his hands—fine flour, oil, and frankincense—to honor the LORD with thanksgiving. • Verse 6 addresses the variety baked on a griddle, emphasizing both preparation and presentation. The Command in Focus “Crumble it and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering.” (Leviticus 2:6) What “Crumble it” Teaches • Careful preparation – fine flour was first sifted; now the cake is broken into pieces so every part can be touched by oil. • Humility – breaking removes any showiness; the offering is dismantled so God receives the whole, not merely an impressive surface. • Shareability – pieces can be distributed to priests and, symbolically, to others. Generosity is built in (see Galatians 6:6). What “Pour oil on it” Teaches • Consecration – oil in Scripture often pictures the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10:38). The worshiper asks God to sanctify his gift. • Enhancement – oil enriched flavor and value. We give not bare minimum but the enriched, improved best. • Dependence – grain grows by sweat; oil comes from olives crushed under pressure. Both remind us our “best” is still God-given (1 Chronicles 29:14). Why It Is Called “a Grain Offering” • It represents daily provision—bread, the staff of life. • By offering staple food, Israel acknowledged that every meal belongs to God (Matthew 6:11). • The absence of leaven (2:11) guarded purity; the addition of salt (2:13) signaled covenant loyalty. Principles for Offering Our Best Today • Prepare, don’t rush: set aside time, thought, and resources before giving. • Break pride: yield every “piece” of life—money, schedule, abilities—so the Lord can direct each portion (Romans 12:1). • Invite the Spirit’s anointing: pray over gifts, asking God to empower their impact (2 Corinthians 9:8). • Give firstfruits, not leftovers: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” (Proverbs 3:9) • Cultivate joy: “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Remember testimony: broken pieces and poured oil display Christ, whose body was broken and Spirit poured out for us (Luke 22:19-20). Takeaways for This Week • Examine one area you have kept “unbroken” and surrender it piece by piece. • Add “oil” by praying specifically over each gift or act of service before offering it. • Identify a practical firstfruit (income, time slot, skill) and dedicate it afresh to the Lord. |
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