What does "voluntary will" in Leviticus 1:3 teach about our worship attitude? Text at a Glance Leviticus 1:3: “If one’s offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, so that he may be accepted before the LORD.” The Heart Behind “Voluntary Will” • The Hebrew word translated “accepted” (rāṣôn) also carries the ideas of “good pleasure, delight, voluntary willingness.” • Earlier English versions render it “of his own voluntary will,” highlighting the worshiper’s inner choice. • God required a flawless animal, yet the greater issue was the worshiper’s willing heart; God looks both at the gift and the motive (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7). What This Teaches About Our Worship Attitude • Freely Chosen, Not Forced – True worship is never coerced; it overflows from love (Psalm 110:3). • Desire to Please the Lord – Our aim is “that [we] may be accepted,” seeking His smile rather than human applause (Galatians 1:10). • Wholehearted Surrender – A burnt offering was totally consumed on the altar; worship today calls for nothing less than entire devotion (Romans 12:1). • Offering Our Best – “Unblemished” points to quality; we bring God excellence—time, resources, attention—not leftovers (Malachi 1:8). • Joyful Giving – “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7); joy validates the gift. • Willing Alignment with God’s Terms – The worshiper came to the specific place God chose, showing that eagerness never bypasses obedience (John 4:23–24). Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 54:6 — “I will sacrifice a freewill offering to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for it is good.” • Deuteronomy 12:5–6 — Freewill offerings brought to the place God chose. • Hebrews 13:15 — “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise…” • 1 Peter 2:5 — Believers as “a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Personal Application • Approach every gathering, song, prayer, and gift as a voluntary burnt offering—joyfully, intentionally, and with your very best. • Examine motives: Is this done to delight the Lord or to satisfy custom or expectation? • Cultivate daily habits of willing sacrifice—time in the Word, acts of service, generosity—so that corporate worship flows naturally from a life already laid on the altar. |
    |