Offering

Leviticus is full of instructions on how to give offerings. At first, I thought these were all different instructions for virtually the same type of sacrificial offering, and I found myself confused as to why so many chapters were saying the exact same thing. When I turned to my trust study guide, however, I learned that there are several different types of offerings. There are regular offerings associated with feasts or celebrations, offerings for the seasons, etc. These offerings are different from offerings that have to do with reconciliation or repentance. As I delved more into the study guide, I learned that there is a conceptual difference between an offering for transgression (or trespass against God) and an offering for sin. The sin offerings are regular occurrences simply because man is sinful, while transgression offerings are to right a wrong.

Now, before you start thinking that I'm of the belief that man is inherently bad, let me explain. The scriptures teach us in multiple places that we live in a fallen world, and are thus fallen beings. The joyous goal of this life is to learn and grow, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, so that we can return to our Father in Heaven in a not-so-fallen state. His preference, really His Plan, is that we return in a perfect state. But, while we are here, that's not the case. We are fallen. We are imperfect, simply by nature. And many of the sacrifices that were made anciently were to acknowledge that. As well, of course, as to symbolize that the real way to overcome our imperfections is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Offerings for trespasses against God also have this purpose; however, if I've read correctly, these offerings are more specific as they are done when certain sinful acts are committed.

Thinking about the difference between these two types of offerings gives me perspective on what kinds of sacrifices we offer in our lives. We don't only need to sacrifice for the Lord when we do wrong things. That is crucial and part of repentance, but we also need to sacrifice simply because we are fallen and require His Atonement in order to work towards being whole. Every day. This doesn't mean that we are terrible and without sacrifice we "totally suck." It means that with sacrifice, which is essentially acknowledging that our Father in Heaven owns all we have and Christ is responsible for our ability to repent and progress, we gain more perspective into how the Lord can help us. As a result, we become (if I may say so), not-so-fallen. Or at least, a little less fallen every time we sacrifice our time, talents, resources, or anything else to Him.

Another thing I've been pondering on is how Jesus Christ is all parts of these symbolic ancient sacrifices. He is the Offering, the Offerer, and the Priest. I had always thought of us as the Offerer, so this helped me see sacrificing for the Lord in a less selfish way. 

Think about it.

In The Beginning

Two reasons for the title: 

1) I'm now studying the Old Testament. I've gone through it before, but that was in High School and not in earnest. I now have more spiritual knowledge (as well as a nearby study manual and scripture-wiz-husband) to back me up.

2) This is a new beginning of blogging for me. I used to blog consistently, and I'm discovering I miss it. I've been feeling out of sync with myself in adjusting to mommy life, so, with the start of the new year, my husband helped me make some resolutions that will help me be more in tune with myself. Here are those "beginnings":

• When baby takes a nap, open my journal and just start writing.
• Work on not automatically contradicting others
• nor myself
• and also on not interrupting others mid-thought
• When I'm at work, be at work by reminding myself that:
• I can trust my husband's parenting.
• Baby will ultimately be fine.
• There's nothing I can do about what's happening at home at this moment, so enjoy being here because I do actually like my job.
• Do something to help my body feel better each day
• Write thoughts each time I study the scriptures

That last one is the majority of the reason I'm writing this post. I want to document the things I learn as I study. Here are a few thoughts from today:

Leviticus 1:

The ancient law of sacrifice dictates that a true sacrificial offering must be (according to this chapter):

1. a burnt sacrifice
2. a male without blemish
3. voluntary
4. taken to the door of the tabernacle
5. cut into pieces
6. in order
7. washed in water

We can think about these things, of course, as they apply to Jesus Christ. He was a male without blemish. His sacrifice was entirely voluntary. He frequented the temple, cleansed it, and taught people both in and near it. His flesh was cut (or, more precisely, torn). He was baptized "to fulfill all righteousness" and was thus washed with water. As He obeyed His Father's will, all things were in order. I haven't quite figured out the symbolism of burning the sacrifice yet--maybe it has something to do with the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Another thing that stuck out to me was that the sacrifice must be "of the flock." I took this to mean that it couldn't be just any old sheep or calf, but instead must be of the flock of the shepherd. It must be dear to the one offering it, just as Christ, being the firstborn son of the Father, was dear to Him.