Bible Discussion Thread

Leviticus Chapter 2

Salt also was an expensive element. Therefore, it would bring even more value to the offering because of its inherent worth and usefulness. The Holy Spirit does empower our service, preserve our faith, purify our hearts from our sin when we bring it to God (as in the meat offering) through Jesus. The Holy Spirit must be present in our lives if we are to come before the Father and find favor instead of wrath. So, unbelievers' efforts to bring an offering or sacrifice are futile and rejected by God. Salt makes what is bland and ordinary something satisfying and rich in flavor. So, the work of the Holy Spirit takes simple humans who are so small in comparison to the grandeur of God and raises us up to be more Christ-like by His sanctifying work.

This chapter really spoke to me tonight. Much to be gleaned from it, for me. God does not need anything from us. There is nothing we can give Him that He does not already possess in infinite measure and perfection. He is altogether self-existing and self-sufficient. He is the ultimate Giver. But He knew that offering these sacrifices (ch.1) and offerings (ch.2) would greatly benefit His people. We think we are serving Him, but really He is serving us. He is ever benevolent to those He has chosen for Himself. He works all things for good to those who love Him and are called by His purpose.

While the sacrifices in Chapter 1 were for sin; the offerings of this Chapter are for expressing gratitude and acknowledging God's provision for us in all that we need and then some! Praise and glory to our God who loves us so and teaches us what we cannot learn of ourselves. Here He teaches the Israelites many lessons in these chapters describing these sacrifices and offerings. I wonder how much He opened their minds to understanding beyond their abilities in these things. In the final chapters of Exodus it says that people were filled with the Holy Spirit to have understanding and skill to make the tabernacle.