What does "present an offering by fire" teach about worship and sacrifice? Scripture Focus Leviticus 2:2: “and the priest shall burn it on the altar as a memorial portion, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.” What Stands Out in the Phrase “present an offering by fire” • Present – an intentional, voluntary act of approaching God • Offering – something set apart for God alone, not for personal use • By fire – total consumption, nothing held back, producing a pleasing aroma upward Truths This Teaches about Worship and Sacrifice • God defines acceptable worship; we approach Him on His terms, not ours (Leviticus 10:1–3) • Fire pictures complete devotion nothing is reserved for self once placed on the altar • Sacrifice is costly; grain, oil, and frankincense represented real labor and resources • The aroma rises to God, showing worship is first vertical before it blesses anyone horizontal • Obedience precedes emotion; the worshiper brings exactly what God prescribed • Holiness is required the altar fire was never to go out (Leviticus 6:12–13), mirroring continual consecration • Repetition of “pleasing aroma” assures that God truly finds delight in surrendered hearts • Corporate worship depends on individual faithfulness; each Israelite supplied ingredients for the continual fire • Thanksgiving and atonement meet; the memorial portion announces gratitude while fire consumes sin’s penalty (Hebrews 9:22) How the Fire Offering Points to Christ • Jesus is the once-for-all offering wholly consumed in judgment fire for us (Hebrews 10:10, 14) • On the cross He became the pleasing aroma that satisfied divine justice (Ephesians 5:2) • His sacrifice invites believers to draw near without fear, fulfilling the purpose of the altar Practical Application for Believers Today • Offer your body “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1) • Let Scripture, not culture, set the pattern for corporate worship • Give God the first and best of time, resources, and affections, not leftovers • Keep the “fire” of devotion stoked through daily repentance and thanksgiving • Expect God’s pleasure when surrender is genuine; He still delights in the aroma of wholehearted worship (Philippians 4:18) In Summary The command to “present an offering by fire” reveals worship that is God-directed, costly, wholehearted, and ultimately fulfilled in Christ, calling believers to continual, wholehearted surrender that rises as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. |
    |