Leviticus 2 - Offering in Gratitude

We are in the midst of several different types of offerings to God. The first we reviewed in the last chapter was a sin offering (also known as a bloody offering). Jesus is the offering for sin in the Christians life so shouldn't that be all sufficient?  Why all the other offerings?

This offering of grain ground into fine flour and covered with oil and frankencense is a response of gratitude of God's people. It seems to me to be closely aligned with the actual offering of money we bring to our church when we worship. It is offered in gratitude for God's provision for our lives both in the natural realm (financial, relational, and physical health) and in the spiritual realm (redemption, salvation and promise of Heaven). We recognize the Sovreignty of God in our lives and we offer a token of gratitude. 

A portion of this offering is to provide for the needs of the spiritual leaders. (Lev 2:10). Our offerings should provide for the needs of our pastors. They have given their life in service meeting the spiritual needs of the church and pointing us all to apply scripture to our hearts. Our offering should be a thank you to God for their service. 

I have thought of my offerings being brought to the church with a portion given to God as if the offering was for operations and a portion was reinvested in God's name; but this passage offers just the opposite view. The entire offering belonged to God and the remainder that was not burned was offered to the priests. 

An offering of first fruits is distinguished here from the grain offering. Honey and yeast were not to be included in the grain offering but could be included in offering of first fruits. (Lev. 2:11-12). 

It is right for us to offer portion of what God has provided us in gratitude. We cannot provide for our salvation or make amends for our sin. Only God can make things right and we are wholly reliant on Him for our redemption and for the provision we need here in life. 

When we do not offer a remembrance to God, we show that we do not understand the depths of our sin or the magnitude of His salvation offered to sinners. In addition to our praise, let's remember to offer a portion to God. Let us all remember to give a portion of our bounty to God in Thanksgiving for His blessings in our life. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.