After people have walked with God for a while the Spirit of Christ compels a dedication that is beyond even the fear of death. Christians learn to appreciate that Jesus is continually working for their benefit and that he held nothing back when he gave his life Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; (Heb 7:25) The fire of Jesus will never go out and He desires to give eternal life to those who serve Him. It is wonderful as God unlocks one mystery after another for our joyful discovery. These revelations reveal the meanings of life and bring great peace into our soul. We behold His grace as our increasing comprehension of God builds faith and allows us to please the Master.
In the ceremony for cleansing the leper we see that the third lamb offered was called the Burnt Offering. It was to be placed on the fire until it was burnt completely to ashes. When the priest killed this lamb it was to signify the leper's desire for total consecration to God. The Burnt Offering was always given from food that people needed for their survival but by faith it was given to God. Once again we are shown that our spiritual life is more important than anything on this earth.
When a man killed the little lamb, he may have felt uncomfortable taking the life of an innocent animal. If we decide to follow God, we will also find ourselves doing things that don't seem comfortable to worldly people. To approach God, a Jew was required to follow these steps ye shall bring your offering (Lev 1:2). To desire God's fellowship you must be willing to give-up things that have value to you. Then he shall offer it of his own voluntary will (Lev 1:3) meaning that an individual must commit their life freely and gladly to God. It was always a hands on experience he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering (Lev 1:4) and as he did this the man would confess, out-loud, the reason for his sacrifice. Then came the hardest part And he shall kill (Lev 1:5). Today it is not a lamb that dies but ourselves as we identify with Jesus and His cross. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (Gal 5:24) Finally, in the burnt offering ceremony the lamb would be cut apart. he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces.(Lev 1:6) and we are to work at our righteous life. All this work was done by the person who desired to make an offering unto the Lord. Many people today feel that they do not owe anything to God which is not even a reasonable idea. The Son of God hung on a cross for us and we should respond by giving ourselves to God.
The closer we obey God's commands the more we show our faith and love in Him. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (1 John 2:3)
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