What does Leviticus 3:11 reveal about God's relationship with His people through offerings? The Setting: A Fellowship Offering Leviticus 3 describes the “peace” or “fellowship” offering, an optional sacrifice expressing gratitude, fulfilled vows, or simple delight in fellowship with the LORD. It differs from sin- or guilt-offerings: the worshiper, priests, and God all “share” the animal, so it pictures communion rather than mere atonement. Key Verse “The priest shall burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire to the LORD.” (Leviticus 3:11) What the Verse Tells Us About God’s Relationship with His People • God welcomes table fellowship – The fat portions are called “food.” Ancient meals sealed friendship covenants (Genesis 31:54). By calling the altar portion “food,” God invites His people to dine with Him symbolically. • God receives, Israel enjoys, priests mediate – Three parties share the one animal: • GOD: receives the choicest parts on the altar (v. 11). • PRIESTS: receive the breast and right thigh (Leviticus 7:31–34). • WORSHIPER & FAMILY: eat the remaining meat in God’s courtyard (Leviticus 7:15). – Relationship with God is never private; it is experienced in community under priestly mediation. • Sacrifice is still necessary – Even a “fellowship” meal must pass through fire and blood. “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). Intimacy with God is always on atonement’s foundation (cf. Leviticus 17:11). • God delights in obedience’s aroma – “Offering made by fire” echoes Genesis 8:21; Exodus 29:18. The rising smoke says, “We take You at Your word; we give You our best.” The LORD finds that obedience “pleasing.” • Ownership is unequivocal – “Burn them on the altar” means total surrender of the choicest parts. Relationship thrives when God receives first place (Proverbs 3:9). Old-Testament Echoes & Parallels • Exodus 29:18 “It is a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the LORD by fire.” • Psalm 50:13–15 God needs no literal food, yet He invites sacrifice as an act of trust. • Malachi 1:7–8 rebukes half-hearted offerings, proving that wholehearted giving remains His relational priority. Fulfillment in Christ • Jesus is our peace-offering (Ephesians 2:13-14). His cross both atones and reconciles, so believers “have peace with God” (Romans 5:1). • At the Lord’s Table we reenact sacred fellowship: one sacrifice, one family, one God (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). • “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). The aroma Leviticus anticipates is fully realized at Calvary. Takeaways for Today • Worship is relational. God still calls His people to draw near, not merely to complete a ritual. • He deserves—and desires—the best we have. We honor Him by surrendering what is most valuable. • Fellowship with God flows from the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. Trust that offering, celebrate that peace, and share that joy with His family. |
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