Living Memorials of Christ (Leviticus 2)

Leviticus is often a challenging book for many Christians to digest. However, it holds profound insights into God's holiness and the way He desires to dwell among His people.

Leviticus follows the dramatic narrative of Exodus, where God miraculously redeems the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Towards the end of Exodus, we find Moses unable to enter the tent of meeting because of God's holiness. Leviticus then lays out the detailed instructions on how a holy God can dwell among a sinful people, making a way for the Israelites, including Moses, to approach Him.

Leviticus 2, in particular, delves into the laws surrounding grain offerings. It was made of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. This offering was a symbol of purity and dedication, representing the best of one's produce, meticulously prepared with specific ingredients and methods. Flour, for instance, had to be fine, symbolizing the quality and purity demanded by God. Additionally, the offering had to be seasoned with salt, a preservative, signifying the eternal covenant between God and His people.

As Christians, the call for purity and dedication in our lives is paramount. However, recognizing our sinful nature, we must look to Jesus, who embodies the fulfillment of all Old Testament offerings. Jesus, described in Hebrews 7:26 as holy, innocent, and unstained, becomes the ultimate sacrifice, allowing us to approach God.

1 John 3:3 states, "Everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure." Our journey towards purity is fundamentally not about avoiding sinful actions but about immersing ourselves in Christ, which produces the former.

Moreover, the offerings created a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This symbolism carries forward to the New Testament, where Ephesians 5:1-2 encourages us to walk in love as Christ loved us, making our lives a fragrant offering to God. We are called to be living memorials of Christ, reflecting His love and purity in our daily lives.

We must guard against the small compromises that can lead to significant spiritual decline. God calls us to radical purity, avoiding what corrupts and embracing what sanctifies.

Finally, the use of salt in the grain offering underscores the enduring nature of our covenant with God. Just as salt preserves, our relationship with God through Jesus is eternal and unbreakable. Despite our struggles, Jesus' sacrifice has secured our covenant with God, offering us hope and assurance.

To sum up, Leviticus 2 invites us to consider our purity and dedication in light of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Further, as living memorials of Christ, we are called to embody His love and purity, offering our lives as a fragrant offering to God. Embrace Jesus, the perfect offering, and let His love transform you into a living testament of His grace and holiness.