What significance does "burn the fat on the altar" hold for believers today? The Original Instruction “Then the priest must burn the fat on the altar as a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD… All the fat belongs to the LORD.” (Leviticus 3:16) Why Fat? • Most valued part of the animal—rich, energy-dense, symbol of abundance. • Setting it apart showed that the best was reserved for God alone (cf. Proverbs 3:9). • Burning it produced the strongest aroma, visibly demonstrating total surrender. • Commanded perpetually: “You must not eat any fat or any blood” (Leviticus 3:17), spotlighting God’s holiness and the seriousness of worship. Christ, the Ultimate Fulfillment • Old-covenant sacrifices pointed to “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29). • Jesus offered Himself “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10–12), giving the Father the absolute best—His own life. • The pleasing aroma language reappears: “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering” (Ephesians 5:2). • Because His sacrifice satisfied God fully, no additional ritual burning is required, yet the principle remains. Living the Principle Today • Honor God with the “richest portions” of life—time, abilities, resources (Romans 12:1). • Refuse to consume what He claims as His; avoid self-indulgence that robs Him of glory (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). • Worship that costs something pleases Him (2 Samuel 24:24). • Allow the Holy Spirit’s “fire” to burn away fleshly excess so Christ’s aroma spreads through us (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). Putting It into Practice 1. Set aside the first and best in giving, not the leftovers. 2. Schedule undistracted time with God before other commitments. 3. Identify “fatty” areas—comforts or habits competing with devotion—and lay them on the altar. 4. Serve others sacrificially, mirroring Christ’s fragrant offering. |
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