The sheer number of animals being sacrificed is staggering. Why so many?
Because we are reading through the Bible chronologically, we won’t touch on the New Testament for quite some time. And that’s too bad, because it has a lot to say about this subject. Check out Hebrews 10:1-18 here to listen in as Paul explains why they had to offer so many sacrifices. Because of what we’re reading today, it’s worth a look.
My question as I read was: “why so many?”. Paul answers that by saying this was God’s way of demonstrating to the people how great their sins were. That makes it so much easier for me to understand. The constant sacrifices, the monthly and special festival sacrifices and all the grain and wine and other things that were offered must have eventually become exhausting. On the other hand, it’s not a bad system, it’s just that since Christ came we know of a better one, so this one seems a little clunky. Without Christ’s sacrifice I suppose I would have gladly offered the prescribed animal and grain offerings in order to maintain favor with God.
The opening sentences quote God as saying the sacrifices are His food. If the sacrifices are finished, then what is God’s food now? I think perhaps it’s our worship of God and our obedience to Him. Rather than sacrifices, He prefers the loving response of His creation. Keeping that in mind, and looking at the sacrifices, how and when should I offer praise and obedience?
Daily, in the morning and in the evening
Every Sunday
At the beginning of each month
At the beginning of each season
At several pre-planned special events (Easter, Pentecost, etc)
This takes focus and intentionality, (is that a word?) but it’s worth it, right? My daily offering is my recognition that I have been forgiven much, and that even as I am forgiven, I still am not perfect. Sure, God is working in me and I accept that I am improving and growing each year, but I also acknowledge that there is always further to go, more to accomplish and new vistas to view of God’s mercy and grace.
The animal sacrifices are a part of our history. Our present practice is to spend time in worship, fellowship and service in obedience to His commands. I believe this is what God wants of His children today.
Faithfully,
PR