Epaggelia

The Lord is concerned about his children living holy lives in an unholy environment, He doesn’t expect us to be holy as He is holy, unless there is a constant daily relationship which points out the difference between holy and unholy. So chapters 11-12 deal with the detail of this relationship in Holiness for his children’s daily lifestyle. 

The summary of Leviticus 11:41-47 should point us to a similar statement in Lev. 20:24-26, which is the whole point of why the Lord gave Peter his vision of clean and unclean animals in Acts 10:9-29. Can we see how dietary laws are fulfilled at Christ’s coming? His presence of holiness in the Christian makes our body a special place that should be taken care of, see Romans 12:1. Do you believe God accepts any sacrifices you make to take care of your body? Are all of our sacrifices exclusively for saving other people, or could some of our sacrifices be for merely showing thankfulness to God for redeeming our bodies? See Romans 8:23.

The Jewish nation was made clean by the presence of a working Tabernacle/Temple, the food laws were given to show and maintain a unique status of Hebrews among the rest of the world. However, when the Spirit descended on the church in the New Testament, empowering believers for witness and worship in Spirit-filled assemblies in all nations, Acts 2:1-41, the “wall of separation” and the dividing ordinances were removed, Ephesians 2:11-22.  If Israel could enter Christ then they did not lose status as “clean,” but now Gentiles also were made clean (see Acts 10:15-28). Congregations of Christ were now centers for worship—bringing the presence of God in grace among all nations. Peter was the first leader in the New Testament church to recognize the fact that the dietary laws were expired, Acts 10:9-16. This truth continues as Peter quotes from Leviticus 11:44 in an epistle to Gentile churches: “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’ 1st Peter 1:14-16. Praise God for the privilege of Gentiles (you and me) being grafted into the blessings of the “olive tree” ~ Romans 11:17. 

One of the most important roles of Jewish society was to reproduce.  It is hard for us post-modern western minds to understand and appreciate the pride and privilege of reproduction having a Divine purpose which will bless the entire world with the Messiah/Christ from God, but that is an ancient sentiment and purpose every Jewish woman had ingrained in her being from infancy to adulthood. The highest most notable achievement of any woman was for her fulfilled role in bringing the Messiah/Christ closer into the world for the one and only true God of Israel. How do you think women felt about God making a way for their cleanliness to reflect holiness, in observing the laws regarding discharges of blood? Leviticus 12:1-8. How would Mary have felt? Luke 2:22-24 & 2nd Cor. 8:9.

In a ceremony similar to crowning a new monarch, Aaron’s installation started with his investiture: with the congregation watching, Moses clothed Aaron with the symbols of his office (Lev. 8:5–12), followed by the investiture of his sons (8:13). A list of the items of Aaron’s apparel can help us consider thoughts you have about their significance in Christ as our Great Hight Priest. (See Ex. 28:1-43; 39:1-43) 

However, on the Day of Atonement, only the High Priest was allowed in the Most holy of holies and only the Altar of Incense and Ark of the Covenant was sprinkled with blood, Ex. 30:1-10.

1. The Ark, being the most holy piece foreshadowing the living Word & law of faith in Christ.
2. The Altar of Incense foreshadowing the Aroma of Christ in His Children, Eph. 5:2 & 2nd Cor. 2:15 & Exodus 30:1-10, Ex. 40:5, Heb. 9:3-4, Lev. 16:12.
3. The Veil foreshadows the ancient Covenant since Abraham, which would be regulating access to God and changing the Old inferior into the New superior covenant, allowing intimacy in Christ.
4. The Gold Lampstand foreshadows the Light of the World as Christ
5. The Table of Showbread foreshadowing the Bread of Life as Christ
6. The Altar of Burnt Offerings foreshadowing the Death of Christ at the Cross.
7. The Bronze Basin foreshadowing the Burial & Resurrection of Christ in Baptism.

The seven-day installation ceremony was followed by a public worship service on the eighth day. This was the first worship service under Aaron’s leadership. What was the stated purpose of that worship assembly and the name given to the tent where it took place (Lev. 9:4–6)? What can we learn about the nature of worship from this passage?

Once the rituals of atonement were completed by the priests, the service reached its climax: Aaron pronounced the benediction (vv. 22–23; compare Num. 6:22-27.. Why do you suppose God added the visible mark of fire from heaven to the close of that inaugural service, Lev. 9:24?

How many times do you find the phrase “as the Lord commanded” attached to the activities of the ordination and first worship service., (Chs 8-9)? (This frequent repetition is preparing for a contrast about to emerge in the next chapter.)

The closing scene (10:12–20) was truly amazing: Aaron corrected Moses on a point of ritual protocol, and Moses admitted that Aaron was right! What does Aaron’s precise ritual discernment (even correcting Moses!), in contrast with Nadab and Abihu’s ritual missteps, teach us about the kind of high priest the people were to expect?

Readers are often stunned that Nadab and Abihu died for their infraction, Lev. 10:1-7. Actually, what should amaze us is that our Great High Priest mediates such a perfect atonement that we are able to approach such a holy God without fear of the same outcome! Confronting the presence of God is a life-or-death matter, and our sins deserve the fire of his just wrath. The people of Israel got it right when they “shouted and fell on their faces” (9:24)—resulting in God’s benediction (not his condemnation) and in seeing his glory (rather than falling under his judgment). The acceptable venue in the worship service is taught in Leviticus 9:22-23. It is because of the atoning sacrifice that the people receive the guarantee of blessing from God at the close of their worship in his house. In the New Testament, Jesus also lifted his hands to pronounce blessing on the disciples after his completion of the final atonement sacrifice. Luke 24:50., and the apostles closed their letters with benedictions. 1Thes. 5:23, Eph. 6:23-24, Heb. 13:20-21.. The benediction is much more than a fancy way to say “the end” at the close of a worship service. It is a declaration of God’s favor because of his atonement.

Atonement is all about fellowship between God (the host), and His people (whose sins are forgiven in the atonement) via the priests (who accomplishes our atonement) Notably the word ‘atonement’ is used by God more so in Leviticus, than any other book in the Bible. The root word is “Levi” which means to attach or join, Genesis 27:34.

Mealtime today in our society rarely has the same significance it did in biblical times. It is easy for us to overlook the importance of ritual meals in God’s house as the culmination of the sacrifice. Having already discussed the sacrifice procedures for all five categories of offerings (Lev. 1:1–6:7), Leviticus revisits all five offerings again, this time with particular focus on how the resulting fellowship meals were to be eaten in the Lord’s house (Lev. 6:8–7:38).

When offerings are presented at the Temple, the entire offering becomes the Lord’s. It is the Lord who gives portions of the sacrifice, as food, back to the priests (Lev. 6:17). Instructions for eating the various sacrifices is given in three groups: the one offering wholly consumed by God (Lev. 6:8–13); the three offerings consumed by God and the priests (6:14–7:10); and the one offering meal shared by God, the priests, and the people (Lev. 7:11–38)

However, The burnt offering was consumed wholly on the altar. It was intended to be kept burning around the clock, replaced daily (ref: Exodus 29:38-42). The other sacrifices were piled on top of this one and carried heavenward in its flames (6:12). How would an ancient Hebrew believer have felt knowing that, wherever he or she was at any time of the day, a “pleasing aroma” was rising to God for his or her atonement? Can we see Jesus in this sentiment? See Ephesians 5:2 & 2nd Corinthians 2:14-16.

As we look at the culmination of all these offerings ascending, we should not miss out on the fellowship God had in sharing portions of the sacrifices after the burnt offering. It was his way of honoring their work in accomplishing the people’s atonement ( Lev. 7:7).  This can be an expression of God’s pleasure in the work of the priests and it’s purpose can serve as a backdrop to our understanding of what Jesus says in John 10:17-18. In sharing sacrifices as a meal, we can learn something from the warnings God places in these instructions, Lev. 7:11-27. He prohibits consumption of the sacrifice’s blood (Lev. 7:26–27) which is very significant. Some ancient religions required worshipers to consume blood in order to unite the participant’s life with that of the offering (“the life of every creature is its blood” Lev. 17:14). What do you think it means that Old Testament believers were not to consume the animal’s blood (being a foreshadowing of the true sacrifice), yet the Lord’s Supper (the fulfillment of the peace offering meal) includes our participation in Christ’s blood, as we drink the cup in communion, see Mark 14:23-24 ?

This fellowship means we do not come to worship to appease God and end up coming away with a blessing, but rather our fellowship with him does mean we are pleasing to God and are honored as His guests in this priceless gift of his body & blood, because we have already been blessed!

Chapter 1, The Burnt Offering
The burnt sacrifice was to be a male animal without blemish, portraying the One ”who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God” Hebrews 9:14.  

Chapter 2, The Meal Offering
It consisted of finely ground flour with no lumps in it. Jesus Christ displayed no unevenness in His humanity or character. Oil, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, was then poured out upon the fine flour. (1st Sam. 16:13 & Isa. 61:1 & 1 John 2:20, 27 The Heavenly Father pointed to the Lord Jesus with a dove as representing the Holy Spirit at his baptism. Then frankincense was placed upon the oil and flour. This produced a fragrance when fire was applied. Our Lord stated ”My food is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.” His death & resurrection completed the picture. John 4:34. Oil was part of a continual and all encompassing generational statue for Israel, to burn for light, Ex. 27:20-21, an obvious reminder of the eternal light of the world to come into the world as the Spirit of Christ in the church. In addition, the sacrifice was seasoned with salt. Salt is a barrier against corruption. This word is sometimes used in Scripture in connection with speech, Colossians 4:6, ”Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt.” The believer is told, ”Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” Col. 3:16. A handful of this offering of flour, oil, and frankincense was presented to God. The rest was eaten by the priests. How beautifully this pictures our spiritual nourishment as we partake of Christ, our meal offering, who was sacrificed for us! We abide in Him, and His words abide in us.
 

Chapter 3, The Peace Offering
The law of this offering is in Lev. 7:28-36. It presents a beautiful picture of reconciliation, making possible communion with God. The offerer was to ”lay his hand upon the head of his offering and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation” Lev. 3:2. Then Aaron’s sons, the priests, sprinkled the blood upon the altar. The New Testament fulfillment says, ”And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself. Colossians 1:20. Once the reconciliation was accomplished by the sprinkling of the blood, the priests were to eat of the sacrifice. Lev.7:32-34. This speaks of communion and fellowship. The priests and the ones presenting the peace offering both ate of it in the presence of the Lord. This sacrifice was the basis of their peace and fellowship. It was indeed a ”thank offering”, Lev. 711-12.
 

Chapter 4, The Sin Offering
In the burnt offering the believer is seen as identified with Christ. In the sin offering, Christ is seen as identified with the believer’s sin. These factors apply:

1. It was given for sins of ignorance, humans are sinners, Rom. 8:3, whether we know it or not.
2. The victim was the substitute for the sinner, 2nd Cor. 5:21
3. The victim was taken outside the camp and burned to ashes. Christ died outside the city wall, Heb. 13:12-13..The ashes were spread outside the camp, showing sins put away. Christ outside the camp died for us

Chapter 5, The Trespass Offering
The sin offering dealt with the root; the trespass offering with the fruit. The cleansing from sins was made possible through confession, Lev. 5:5. Likewise, the Lord Jesus died, not only for what we are by nature but also for what we do because of that nature. Furthermore, the Christian knows that ”if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1st Jn. 1:9, 2:1

In Exodus, Abraham’s descendants have multiplied, becoming a mighty people group cohabitating with the Egyptians. The Pharaoh enslaved the people for a few centuries until God rescued them. After a dramatic exit from Egypt, God makes a special agreement with Israel, making them his people and himself their only God. The people then build a tabernacle, and the Creator of the world begins dwelling among his people. That’s why Leviticus is so important. It’s a new normal: The LORD God is publicly living with humans. This hasn’t happened since the Garden of Eden, when God would visit with Adam and Eve. Last time God shared a place with humans, the humans (with help from an evil serpent) messed it up. How can they get it right this time? Not a lot of narrative takes place in Leviticus. The people stay camped at Mount Sinai throughout the book. It’s not until the book of Numbers that they resume their journey to the promised land—and that journey isn’t completed until the book of Joshua. Leviticus is about holiness (being set apart, separate)—both God’s holiness and the holiness He expects of His people. Whereas Exodus displays God’s holiness on a cosmic scale (sending plagues on Egypt, parting the Red Sea, etc.)  Leviticus shows us the holiness of God in fine detail. God spells out His expectations for His priests and people so that the congregation can worship and dwell with Him. The call to holiness in Leviticus resounds throughout Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments. To see why Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s holiness in the world, is best read about in Hebrews 9:11-28. Parts of the Levitical law are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, such as distinctions between clean and unclean foods, See Mark 7:18-19, but the call to holiness still stands—Peter even quotes Leviticus when he encourages us to be holy in all our behavior, see 1st Peter 1:15-16. What does holiness mean to you?

God gave a goal and Paul describes it well in Philippians 3:14, with two words, “SKOPOS” translated goal, from which we get our English word scope, and the word prize from “BRABEION” which is like the trophy we get from winning a game. What exactly is this goal or prize? Jesus pointed his critics to it, when he described what they were trying to force their way into, it is the Kingdom of God. See Luke 16:16. Both John the immersionist and Jesus the Christ preached with the theme of the Kingdom coming, being established and after the church was brought into the world. The apostles taught that they and we were translated into it. Read carefully Colossians 1:12-13 and you can see how this transfer from the domain of darkness and into the Kingdom was a past tense reality for Christians millenia ago. Truly in one aspect, Christians today are already citizens of the Kingdom, Philippians 3:20, but we do not have all the glory of inheriting it, until we reach Heaven. In the meantime, the words of Jesus are alive and well in our hearts when He says, we are in this world, but not of it, John 15:19, 16:33 & 18:36. So in one sense, our goal is the glory of Christ in our heart today, but in a different sense that glory won’t be fully realized until we get past those pearly gates. Read carefully 2nd Corinthians 4:5-7.

This is God’s goal for the church, a full realization of His holy glory as He comes into each Christians heart & daily life. However, as we grow the fruit of His Spirit, we learn about using the gifts or talents that we mentioned in the previous discussion. Therefore when we multiply those gifts and use those talents in our daily life, we discover goals in our service to God. How is this made true for us today? By seeing ministries and services in the daily life of the church bless the world with the furtherance of the gospel. Our personal goals all work together to spread good news, creating new Christians. How bright is this congregation shining in our community through good works, wherein we use our many gifts? Jesus said his followers would be like a city on a hill, lit for the world to see, Matthew 5:14. Jesus wasn’t necessarily goal-minded, instead, he was very mission-minded, his mission was full of healthy habits and tasks that led Him to getting back home to His Father through His resurrection & ascension. Today, we should have a mission minded church, instead of setting specific goals that might end up disappointing people. Why don’t we stay focused on the mission of Christ, living daily lives with healthy habits and grow the fruit of His Spirit, who enables us to share the powerful love and words of Christ with people in the world? Be purposeful in your devotion to good works, (Titus 3:8-14 & Hebrews 10:24)

The Gift of God’s Holy Spirit of Christ is seen by Luke & Paul, as given to Christians…

… in baptism, Acts 2:38, “Holy”

… in salvation, Romans 5:17, 8:10, “Righteousness”

… in personal ministry, Ephesians 4:7, “Grace”

…in public ministry, 2nd Corinthians 9:15, “Inexpressible”

Jesus says, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”, Luke 11:13

Just as in the world, we see children grow up to give gifts in return to their parents that cared for them in their youth, we should see new Christians grow up to give gifts out of appreciation back to our Father in Heaven for giving us Christ’s Spirit. Mature Christians have the wisdom, strength and love to be grateful in…

… Giving liberally, Luke 21:1-4 

… Giving personally, Romans 12:6

… Giving publicly, Philippians 4:18

How do you give gratitude to God? The word “thanksgiving” has GIVING in it, not “saying”! So even if we are simply saying thank you to God in prayer, it should be from our hearts, giving love & respect, sincere heartfelt gratitude.

Peter calls all Christians individually in the church, publically, a royal priesthood, (1st Peter 2:9), if you believe this, then we should be able to offer sacrifices, because that is why people are made into priests. See Hebrews 13:15-16. All genuine Christians are actually spiritual priests, we do not have a physical priesthood, our sacrifices are sanctified by Christ’s blood and offered up in praise & prayer spiritually. When we do good works, they are maintained by faithful prayer, see Titus 3:8-14. 

If you believe Christ’s Spirit has been gifted to you, (Romans 8:8-9), then you are his and He is yours. Our every effort to serve him physically or spiritually can be accepted by The Father as a holy sacrifice. Do you live like this? See 1st Peter 2:1-5.