My bible reading this morning covered Leviticus 2 & 3. These chapters cover detailed instructioms on how Israelites should prepare their offerings for when they present grain offerings and peace (animal) offerings.
I was drawn to the difference of 'face value' between grain and animals. In an instant we would definitely put animals in a 'more expensive' category than grain. However, grain was offered alongside an extra ingredient before it is being offered as sacrifice: oil. It is only then that the grain can be of "a pleasing fragrance to God." (Lev 2:1)
It reminded me of the poor widow in Luke 21 who gave two pennies into the offering. For many, the two pennies represent something of less value. Yet, these pennies had an extra ingredient: "she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford - she gave her all!"(Luk 21:4) -- and that was why it was counted as "the largest offering today" (Luk 21:3).
In Levicitus 3, the animal offerings were to be "without any defect" (Lev 3:1, 5). But that is not all. The head had to be slaughtered at the entrance, blood thrown on all sides of the altar (Lev 3:2,8), all the fat removed (Lev 3:3,9) and the kidneys removed (Lev 3:4,10).
Have we been giving extravagantly, with the most significant part of our life (i.e. blood) thrown on "all sides of the altar"? Have we been giving what is pure? The one that is 'without defect' and away from our intelligence (ie. the head)? Are we ready to let go of our 'fat' (our unnecessary baggage) and our kidneys (our 'hard work' which transforms food into something useful to the whole body) and present it as sacrifice for the Lord?
* All verses are taken from The Message translations
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