How does Leviticus 3:12 guide us in offering sacrifices to God today? Reading Leviticus 3:12 “If one’s offering is a goat, he is to present it before the LORD.” Key Observations from the Verse • Variety allowed – a goat, not only a bull or lamb (vv. 1, 6, 12). • Personal presentation – “he is to present it,” showing hands-on involvement. • Direct audience – the offering is brought “before the LORD,” highlighting God’s presence and approval. Timeless Principles We Carry Forward • God welcomes sincere worshipers regardless of their means. • Obedience is specific; we approach God the way He directs, not as we invent (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22). • True sacrifice is relational, offered “before the LORD,” not merely for public display (cf. Psalm 51:16-17). How Christ Fulfills the Animal Offering • Jesus is “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29) whose once-for-all sacrifice completes the sacrificial system (Hebrews 10:10, 14). • Because He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14), the fellowship/peace offering finds its ultimate meaning in Him. • We now come through a living Person, not through an altar of goats or bulls (Hebrews 10:19-22). Our Present-Day “Goat” Offerings Romans 12:1: “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship.” • Praise – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). • Good deeds & generosity – “Do not neglect to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). • Financial support – gifts for gospel work are “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice” (Philippians 4:18). • Love-shaped living – “Walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering” (Ephesians 5:2). Practical Ways to “Present It Before the LORD” Today • Begin each day by consciously yielding your plans to Him. • Gather with other believers; corporate worship visibly places our praise “before the LORD.” • Give joyfully and proportionately to kingdom causes. • Serve actively in the local church, offering time and talents. • Speak thanks aloud throughout the day, turning moments into mini-altars of praise. In Summary Leviticus 3:12 reminds us that God invites ordinary people to bring real, costly, personal offerings directly into His presence. In Christ, the physical goat is no longer required, but the heart behind it is. Every act of surrendered obedience, praise, generosity, and love becomes our spiritual “goat,” joyfully laid before the LORD who still meets His people at the place of sacrifice—now the cross and the life it produces in us. |
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