How does Exodus 29:38 connect to New Testament teachings on sacrifice? Setting the scene “Two one-year-old lambs are to be offered regularly each day” (Exodus 29:38). A literal, twice-daily sacrifice—morning and evening—kept Israel constantly aware of its need for cleansing and communion with God. Daily lambs, daily reminder • Morning and twilight offerings (Numbers 28:3-4) framed every Israelite day with worship. • Blood on the altar pointed to sin’s seriousness and the cost of forgiveness (Leviticus 17:11). • The rhythm was unbroken; no day was acceptable without a lamb. Jesus, the perfect Lamb • John sees Christ and cries, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). • Peter writes we are redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish” (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Hebrews declares, “He offered one sacrifice for sins forever” (Hebrews 10:12). Once-for-all, yet continually effective • The cross happened once, yet its power is permanent; no more animals are needed (Hebrews 10:14). • Jesus “always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25), giving the continual benefit the daily lambs only pictured. • The morning-and-evening pattern foreshadowed the unceasing sufficiency of Christ’s work. Our response: living sacrifices • Because the Lamb has died, believers now present themselves: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). • This is ongoing, just like the ancient rhythm—life placed on the altar day by day. • Submission, obedience, and service become our fragrant offering (Ephesians 5:2). Practical takeaways – Let every morning and evening remind you of Christ’s finished work. – Replace ritual with relationship: thank Him for the once-for-all sacrifice that still cleanses. – Offer time, talents, and thoughts as a steady, living sacrifice, echoing the ceaseless devotion Exodus 29:38 required. |
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