Mon.’s Devo - Leviticus

Read: Leviticus 1:1-3:17; Mark 1:29-2:12; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 9:13-18 Leviticus was the first book taught to children. It tells us about God’s character and his will, especially in the area of holiness. They wanted their children to be educated in the sanctity of God and their responsibility to live holy lives. The word “Leviticus” means “and He called.” *** God gave them different offerings for different purposes. Today we read about the burnt offering, the grain offering and the peace offering. These offerings are types that picture the work of Christ. The burnt offering was also called the whole offering because the animal is completely consumed on the altar, just as Jesus was completely consumed on the cross. Jesus held nothing back and his death completely dealt with sin. The person offering this would give it of his own free will. He was to lay his hand on the head of the offering to transfer his sin to the animal. The person along with the priests would kill the animal and the priests would sprinkle its blood on the bronze altar which stood for the cross. Even the skin was burned on the fire. *** The grain offering was given to obtain favor from the Lord. The grain offering came from the fruits of their labor much like the tithe we give. When we tithe, God rebukes the devourer from us and we are blessed with his favor instead. *** The grain offering was mixed with oil that represent God’s Spirit. Aaron and his sons got to keep some of this offering. There was to be no leaven or honey in this offering, but there was to be salt and frankincense. Leaven represents sin and honey represents man’s strength. The salt was a preservative meaning everlasting and the frankincense speaks of Christ’s death which was a sweet savor to God. *** The peace offering was to offer appeasement of guilt, and to pay the penalty for their sins. It was to bring them peace and to make peace with God. They would lay hands on the animal transferring their guilt and sin to the animal then the priests would sprinkle its blood on the altar and remove its kidneys and all the fat and burn them on the altar. The fat and the blood was the Lord’s. They represented the Holy Spirit and Jesus. *** In Mark, Jesus went into Simon’s house and healed his mother-in-law. She stood for his mother “in the law” - the nation of Israel. She immediately got up and served them. When Israel is healed, that is what she will do. She will serve and bless all the nations. *** Jesus then went out and healed many who were sick, and filled with demons. Early in the morning he would go and pray. When Simon found him he told him that everyone was looking for him. Jesus didn’t stay long in any town because he wanted to spread the good news to as many as he could. *** Jesus healed a leper and Jesus told him not to tell others but to go straight to the priest so they could see the proof. They had to be given the opportunity to repent also. Instead, the leper went around telling people what had happened which made it very difficult for Jesus to travel freely. He had to go to the wilderness to preach because of the notoriety. *** Jesus finally returned to Capernaum and so many came to see him that the room was filled to the max. A paralytic was brought and when his friends saw they were not going to get inside, they went on the roof, removed the shingles and lowered him before Jesus. Jesus was so impressed by their faith he forgave the sins of the paralyzed man. The scribes who were there were very offended that Jesus thought he could forgive sins. Jesus asked them which was easier to say to the man, his sins were forgiven or to get up and walk. Because he was the Son of Man with the authority to forgive sins, he could also tell him to get up and walk. He turned to the man and commanded him to get up and walk and he did. Everyone was amazed. *** Lord, thank you for being our healer and our savior. Thank you that you are our burnt offering, our grain offering and our peace offering. We gratefully and humbly enjoy all the benefits of your sacrifice on the cross.