THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE:
A question to ask ourselves is, “Who Are You Worshiping?” During the tenure of the great orator Henry Ward Beecher, a visiting minister (Beecher’s brother) once substituted for the popular pastor. A large audience had already assembled to hear Beecher, and when the substitute pastor stepped into the pulpit, several disappointed listeners began to move toward the exits. That’s when the minister stood and said loudly, “All who have come here today to worship Henry Ward Beecher may now withdraw from the church. All who have come to worship God keep your seats!” (Today in the Word, April, 1989, p. 22)
From the beginning, the secret to Israel’s blessing was when they had a good relationship with the Lord it was characterized by faith and obedience. The pagan nations around them could invent their own forms of worship, but Israel had to bring the right sacrifices at the right time and in the right way, or the Lord could not bless them (John 4:22). Offerings had to be brought regularly and presented according to prescribed rituals under the priests supervision. This took time and gave the people opportunity to prepare their hearts to worship (vv. 1-2). Unless their hearts were ready, worship was meaningless and the same is true for us today. It is so easy to go to services with hearts that are not prepared to worship the Lord.
Note the offerings given in this passage:
1. Daily Offerings - each day - two lambs - day by day (vv. 3-8).
2. Sabbath Offerings - each seventh day - two lambs - on the seventh day (vv. 9-10).
3. New Moon Offerings - first day of month - 2 young bullocks, a ram, 7 lambs (vv. 11-15).
4. Passover - fourteenth day of first month - no animal sacrifice (v. 16).
5. Unleavened Bread - 15th to 21st day of month - 2 bullocks, a ram, 7 lambs, a goat (vv. 17-25).
6. Feast of Weeks - no date given - 2 young bullocks, a ram, 7 lambs, a goat (vv. 26-31).
APPLICATION:
Each of the offerings had a different purpose to fulfill, but the ultimate goal was to please the Lord and delight His heart. Lord help me to worship you in such way it will please You!
