How does Leviticus 7:14 emphasize the importance of offering a portion to God? Setting the Scene Leviticus 7 records God’s instructions about the peace (fellowship) offering. Unlike burnt offerings, a portion of these sacrifices could be eaten by the worshiper, highlighting shared fellowship with the Lord. Yet—crucially—before anyone enjoyed the meal, a specified part had to be presented to God and given to His priest. Key Verse “From each he is to present one cake as a contribution to the LORD; it will belong to the priest who splashes the blood of the peace offering.” (Leviticus 7:14) What the Verse Shows • A tangible “contribution to the LORD” precedes personal enjoyment. • “One cake” represents a symbolic fraction; whatever is produced, God receives His portion first. • The gift supports the priest who mediated the sacrifice, reinforcing that caring for God’s servants is itself an act of worship (cf. Numbers 18:8-12). • The practice is commanded, not suggested. God’s instructions carry covenant authority. Why a Portion Must Go to God • Recognition of Ownership – Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” Returning a part confesses that everything originates with Him. • Principle of Firstfruits – Proverbs 3:9: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” Giving the first and best sanctifies the rest. • Fellowship Requires Sacrifice – Peace offerings picture communion; withholding a portion would break that communion (cf. Malachi 1:8-9). • Provision for Ministry – 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 cites the Levitical pattern: those serving at the altar “share in what is offered on the altar.” Echoes in the New Testament • God still expects wholehearted giving, though now expressed in multiple ways: – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 calls believers to cheerful generosity. – Romans 12:1 urges giving our bodies “as a living sacrifice.” • Jesus commended the widow’s two small coins (Mark 12:41-44), illustrating that proportionate, heartfelt giving matters more than amount. Practical Takeaways • Set aside God’s portion before using the rest of your income or resources. • View generosity not as loss but as participation in God’s ongoing work. • Remember that supporting faithful ministry is biblically mandated, not optional. • Let every act of stewardship declare, “All I have is Yours, Lord.” |
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