What is the significance of "fellowship offering" in Leviticus 7:11 for believers today? The Fellowship Offering in Israel’s Worship • Leviticus 7:11 sets the rule for the “fellowship (peace) offering”—the only sacrifice in which the worshiper, priests, and the Lord all shared a portion of the same animal. • Its Hebrew name, shelamim, comes from shalom, pointing to wholeness, harmony, and restored relationships. • Unlike sin or guilt offerings, the fellowship offering was brought voluntarily, celebrating reconciliation already secured through earlier sacrifices (Leviticus 3; 7:12-18). Core Elements of the Fellowship Offering • A flawless animal—symbolizing the worshiper’s wholehearted devotion (Leviticus 3:1). • Blood poured out—“for the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11), underscoring substitutionary life-for-life. • Shared meal—part offered on the altar, part eaten by priests, part enjoyed by the offerer and family (Leviticus 7:15-18). – God received the fat portions (Leviticus 3:3-5). – Priests received the breast and right thigh (Leviticus 7:31-34). – The worshiper ate the remaining meat in God’s presence, picturing intimate communion. • Time limit—meat had to be eaten the same day (or next, if a thank offering) to guard holiness (Leviticus 7:15-18). Foreshadowing Christ’s Perfect Sacrifice • “He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). The fellowship offering anticipates Christ, whose cross ends hostility and brings lasting shalom. • At Calvary the Father, the Son, and believers are united around one sacrifice: “Through Him we…have access to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). • The shed blood that once sprinkled the altar now grants “boldness to enter the Most Holy Place” (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Just as worshipers ate in the tabernacle courts, believers feed on Christ by faith and proclaim His death in the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:26). Implications for Believers Today • Restored relationship: in Christ we enjoy peace with God, no lingering estrangement (Romans 5:1). • Shared fellowship: salvation is not solitary; we commune with fellow saints around the same sacrifice (Acts 2:42). • Ongoing gratitude: thanksgiving was a primary form of the fellowship offering (Leviticus 7:12); our lives become continual thank offerings (Hebrews 13:15-16). • Holiness in community: the strict time limits emphasize purity and urgency—likewise we handle holy things with reverence and avoid spiritual stagnation (1 Corinthians 11:27-32). Practical Takeaways for Our Walk • Celebrate reconciliation—approach God confidently, knowing Christ has secured peace. • Cultivate communion—prioritize gathered worship and the Lord’s Table, where shared participation mirrors the ancient meal. • Live thankfully—voice gratitude daily, give material offerings, and serve others as a response to God’s peace. • Pursue peace with people—because we share one sacrifice, “be at peace with everyone” as much as it depends on you (Romans 12:18). Key Scriptures for Further Study Leviticus 3; 7:11-18 " Ephesians 2:13-18 " Hebrews 10:19-22 " Romans 5:1 " 1 John 1:3, 7 |
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