Seize the Moment – Day 521
The Peace Offering!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Friday, August 20.
Do you like to invite your friends or family to join with you to share a meal?
There is something about sharing food that draws you closer to people, especially when you have provided the meat or a portion of the meal for others to enjoy.
Leviticus 3 describes the regulations for the peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering. Based on the original Hebrew word it has also been called the “well-being offering.” While there is some ambiguity around the meaning, there is no confusion about its purpose.
Listen to Leviticus 3:16, “The priest shall offer them up in smoke on the altar as food, an offering by fire for a soothing aroma.” The peace offering was the primary type of sacrifice that provided meat for the people, unlike the sin and guilt offerings which could only be eaten by the priests, and the burnt offering which was to be completely consumed by fire on the altar. With the fat and blood consumed on the altar and the priest receiving his portion (Leviticus 7:28-34), the rest of the meat would go back to the worshiper to be consumed within one or two days of making the peace offering (Leviticus 7:15; 19:6-8).
While giving thanks to God, the peace offering provided an acceptable way to slaughter a sacrificial animal for food (Leviticus 7:11-36). What a wonderful way to prepare for a time of fellowship around the table with your loved ones. The peace offering provided for a way to pass the peace on to your friends and family and invite everyone over to celebrate God’s provision.
Peace offerings provided food for fellowship, which increases well-being! Don’t we all feel better after sharing some good food with good friends?
Seize the moment and organize a time of celebration with your loved ones.