What does "one cake from the offering" signify in our worship today? Setting the Scene: Leviticus 7:14 “From it he shall present one out of each offering as a contribution to the LORD; it will belong to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offerings.” What Happened at the Altar • A worshiper brought a peace-offering of thanksgiving. • Alongside the animal, he baked several kinds of bread—unleavened and leavened (Leviticus 7:12-13). • One cake from every type of bread went straight to the LORD by being handed to the priest. • The rest was shared in a joyful meal with family and friends in God’s presence (Leviticus 7:15). Why Only One Cake? • Representative Portion – A single piece stood for the whole batch, declaring, “Everything I have comes from You.” • First and Best – It was the first piece lifted up, honoring God before anyone else ate (Proverbs 3:9). • Provision for God’s Servants – The priest, God’s appointed mediator, received it (Numbers 18:8-11). • Tangible Thanksgiving – Bread, the staff of life, symbolized daily provision acknowledged with gratitude (Psalm 136:25). How the One Cake Foreshadows Christ • The True Portion – Jesus is the “bread of life” given for us (John 6:35). • Once-for-All Offering – Just as one cake represented the batch, Christ’s single sacrifice covers all who believe (Hebrews 10:12-14). • Mediator and Sustainer – He is both Priest and Provision, the One who offers and is offered (Hebrews 7:24-27). What It Teaches Our Worship Today • Give a Dedicated Portion First – Regularly set aside the “first slice” of income, energy, and time for the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:2). • Support Gospel Ministry – The cake fed the priest; our giving sustains those who shepherd God’s people (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). • Celebrate Fellowship – After God received His portion, everyone feasted together; gather with believers around the Lord’s Table and shared meals (Acts 2:42-46). • Cultivate Thankful Hearts – Every gift to God proclaims, “You provided this”; gratitude guards against pride and complacency (Deuteronomy 8:10-18). • Remember Christ at the Center – Each act of giving and each communion loaf points back to the greater Bread from heaven (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Practical Takeaways • Before spending or serving elsewhere, intentionally present a portion to God. • View offerings not as loss but as a joyful declaration that all you possess belongs to Him. • Let generosity overflow into hospitality; invite others to your table as Israel feasted together. • When taking Communion, recall the one cake in Leviticus—seeing in the broken bread the once-for-all gift of Christ. |
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