What is the significance of offering a "fellowship offering" in Leviticus 3:1? Leviticus 3:1 — The Verse Itself “If anyone presents a fellowship offering, and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he shall present it without blemish before the LORD.” Snapshot of the Fellowship (Peace) Offering - Hebrew term: zebach shelamim — sacrifices celebrating shalom: peace, wholeness, well-being. - Voluntary, not compulsory. - Followed the burnt offering (Leviticus 1) and grain offering (Leviticus 2); it assumed atonement was already made and now highlighted relationship. - Portions: • Fat and blood → burned to the LORD (Leviticus 3:3-5) • Breast and right thigh → priestly portion (Leviticus 7:31-34) • Remaining meat → eaten by the worshiper and family (Leviticus 7:15-16) Why Did God Institute It? - Celebrate restored peace: after sin was covered, worshipers could sit at God’s “table.” - Express gratitude: “Offer God a sacrifice of thanksgiving” (Psalm 50:14). - Ratify vows: “If the sacrifice is… the fulfillment of a vow” (Leviticus 7:16). - Foster community: family, friends, and priest shared the meal; unity flowed from peace with God. Key Spiritual Messages Embedded in the Ritual - Peace comes only on God’s terms: the blood of an unblemished substitute (Leviticus 17:11). - The best belongs to the LORD: burning the choicest fat signified giving God the richest portion. - Holiness is non-negotiable: “without blemish” anticipates the flawless Lamb to come (1 Peter 1:18-19). - Fellowship is joyous: unlike the sin offering’s somber tone, this meal was celebratory and communal. Pointers to the Messiah - Jesus embodies the whole offering system; He “Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). - By His blood God “made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). - At the cross the Father received the perfect “fat” of Christ’s devotion, opening a table of fellowship for all who believe (Romans 5:1). Ongoing Significance for Believers - The table continues in the Lord’s Supper: “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? … We who are many are one body” (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). - Sacrifice of praise: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). - Shared meals and unity: hospitality among believers echoes that original fellowship meal (Acts 2:46). Bringing It Home - Rest in the peace secured by Christ; the work is finished. - Respond with grateful worship, generous sharing, and joyful communion. - Remember that true fellowship with one another flows out of fellowship with God. |
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