“Then he shall kill the bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests shall bring the blood and throw the blood against the sides of the altar that is at the entrance of the tent of meeting.” Leviticus 1:5
February 7, 2025
When was the last time you read the book of Leviticus? Not many Christians are familiar with what is a major theme in a book about the sacrificial rituals given to the nation of Israel. If Israel was going to fulfill its responsibility of being a witness nation to the godless nations of the world, God’s holiness had to be at the center of her covenant life. Though strange to us the sacrifice of the burnt offering was to proclaim the need for atonement for sin. The most valuable animal was a bull in a society that depended on livestock for its livelihood. It was to be unblemished (not defective in any way). You say, so what? Whether a bull (most expensive) was offered or a young pigeon (cheapest), the truth was that no Israelite, no matter how poor, witnessed to the fact that all sinners need a sacrifice for their sin. Equality in opportunity and equity in forgiveness. It was the death of the animal in the place of the sinner. By this the wrath of God was averted. This truth was to dominate the thinking of every Jew. It was God teaching the witness nation that a perfect sacrifice and Savior was needed in order to enjoy God’s forgiveness and acceptance. We can praise God that the bloody system of animal sacrifices is no longer necessary; “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Heb. 10:4). Christians are to rejoice in the finality of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
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“Thank you, O holy and merciful God, for providing the all-sufficient Savior, Jesus Christ.”