How does Leviticus 7:30 connect to New Testament teachings on offerings? The Old Testament Pattern in Leviticus 7:30 “With his own hands he is to bring the offerings made by fire to the LORD. He shall bring the fat together with the breast, and the breast is to be waved as a wave offering before the LORD.” Personal involvement: “with his own hands.” The choicest parts: the fat (richness) and the breast (strength/heart). A public presentation: the wave offering is lifted up, displayed before God and the community. These three ideas—personal participation, giving the best, and open dedication—form a pattern the New Testament later amplifies. Personal Involvement Anticipated in the New Covenant Leviticus required the worshiper’s own hands; the gospel reveals the fulfillment in Christ’s own hands stretched out on the cross (John 10:18). Believers now follow His example: • Romans 12:1—“present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” • 2 Corinthians 9:7—each giver decides “in his heart” and gives “not reluctantly.” Hands and hearts still matter; worship is never outsourced. Offering the Best and the First • In Leviticus the richest portions were reserved for God. • In the New Testament, Christ “loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering” (Ephesians 5:2). He is the ultimate “fat and breast,” the very best. • Philippians 4:18 calls generous gifts from believers “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God,” echoing the same aroma imagery. The Wave Offering and Resurrection Hope Waving the breast symbolized elevation before God; it moved horizontally and vertically, hinting at acceptance and communion. • Jesus was “lifted up” (John 12:32) and then raised. • Hebrews 7:25—He “always lives to intercede,” still presented before the Father. • Our praise becomes a continual “sacrifice of praise to God” (Hebrews 13:15), a spiritual wave offering. Priestly Participation Then and Now The priest received part of the breast after it was waved (Leviticus 7:31). • 1 Peter 2:5—believers are now “a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices.” • We share in what is presented, feeding on Christ by faith (John 6:51) and ministering that life to others. Christ, the Perfect Fulfillment • Hebrews 10:10, 12—“we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all… having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time.” • Every detail—hands, fat, breast, wave—finds its climax in the cross and resurrection. The Old points forward; the New unveils the complete reality. Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Bring yourself—not merely things—to God. • Offer the first and best of time, talents, and resources. • Let praise and generosity rise publicly, blessing both God and people. • Feed on Christ daily, then share His life as part of a royal priesthood. Leviticus 7:30 is more than ancient ritual; it sketches the silhouette filled in by Christ and lived out in every New Testament believer. |
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