The concept of the "Memorial Portion" is rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, particularly within the Levitical laws. It refers to a specific part of the grain offering that was burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. This portion served as a symbolic act of remembrance before God, signifying the worshiper's dedication and the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Biblical References

The primary references to the Memorial Portion are found in the book of Leviticus, which outlines the various offerings and sacrifices required under the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 2:2, the Berean Standard Bible states: "and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of fine flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." This passage highlights the essential elements of the grain offering: fine flour, oil, and frankincense, with the memorial portion being a handful of these elements.

Leviticus 2:9 further elaborates: "The priest is to remove the memorial portion from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." Here, the act of burning the memorial portion is emphasized as a means of creating a pleasing aroma, symbolizing the worshiper's devotion and God's acceptance of the offering.

Theological Significance

The Memorial Portion holds significant theological implications within the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system. It represents the idea of remembrance, not in the sense of recalling forgotten information, but as an active acknowledgment of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The burning of the memorial portion on the altar served as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and the people's commitment to live according to His statutes.

Moreover, the Memorial Portion underscores the principle of offering the best to God. The use of fine flour, oil, and frankincense indicates the quality and value of what was to be presented to the LORD. This act of offering the best reflects the heart of worship, where the worshiper acknowledges God's sovereignty and expresses gratitude for His provision.

Typology and Christological Fulfillment

From a typological perspective, the Memorial Portion can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the memorial portion was a pleasing aroma to the LORD, Christ's sacrificial death is described in Ephesians 5:2 as "a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." The grain offering, with its memorial portion, points to the perfect and complete offering of Christ, who fulfills the sacrificial system and establishes a new covenant through His blood.

In the New Testament, the concept of remembrance is also central to the Lord's Supper, where believers are called to remember Christ's sacrifice. This act of remembrance is not merely a mental exercise but a profound spiritual engagement with the reality of Christ's atoning work.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the Memorial Portion serves as a reminder of the importance of offering our best to God in worship and service. It challenges Christians to examine their own lives and consider what they are presenting to the LORD. The principle of giving God the first and finest of our resources, time, and talents remains relevant, encouraging a lifestyle of sacrificial living and wholehearted devotion.

In summary, the Memorial Portion, as outlined in the Levitical laws, provides rich insights into the nature of worship, the significance of remembrance, and the foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. It calls believers to a deeper understanding of their covenant relationship with God and inspires a life of faithful dedication.