Leviticus 1-4

It took me about 15 minutes to read this passage.  This book begins with the description of the burnt offering.  Whenever I read this my thoughts immediately go to the cross of Jesus.  “Present a male without defect”; a picture of Jesus to sinless lamb of God. “at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting”; the sacrifice will be in front of the place where God has chosen for his name to dwell.  That is a pretty clear description of Jerusalem to me.  “Lay your hands on the head…so that it may be accepted on your behalf to make atonement for you.” As Moses spoke these words to the people of Israel could they have imagined that their descendants, many centuries later, would lay their hands on God’s innocent son and not see God accepting their sacrifice for their, and our, atonement?  “Slaughter …in God’s presence on your behalf…” There will be no trial for this offering from the herd, he will be slaughtered in the sight of the place where God’s has placed his name.  “carefully laying out the wood, and then arrange the body …on the wood…”  Those there was no care taken with Jesus, he was man-handled, his body was literally laid out on the wood, and then nailed in place.  Though the pictures described in both Leviticus and the Gospels are brutal, they show the pain God was willing to endure to bring us back to him.  I am thankful that Jesus gave up his life for me, and for all people.

Stuart