Holiness displays itself in a life of sacrifice to God. In order for something to be a sacrifice it must have value to us. The greater the value the greater the sacrifice. As a community of subsistence farmers and simple traders the survival of Israeli families was based on their herds and gardens more so than their trades. To give up a male member of the flock or herd was costly. It might mean that there is one less blanket for the winter nights. The offer God the first fruit pulled out of the garden or field meant going without one or more meals. In order to sacrifice a fast would be necessary. To offer sacrifices for most Israelites was more than just a specific quantity that they wanted to keep. It was giving up a portion of their lives. There were roughly 3 grain harvests in the middle-east. The fruit of these harvest would sustain the people during the year. By giving up 1/10th of that harvest each Jew was showing their dependence upon God to provide for their needs for at least 30 days each year, since there was 1 or 2 days of feasting provided from the sacrifices. I wonder if I take those 30 days for granted or whether I turn them over to God for his provisions.
It took me 14 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart
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