Saturday - Leviticus 2 - Gifts without Blood

While it is true that we focus mostly on the Old Testament sacrifices that required the death of an animal and the sprinkling of its blood, there were offerings that did not involve death or blood (Hebrews 9:22). In Leviticus 2 we find that these certain oblations (gifts) were called meat offerings (or, grain offerings to be eaten).

Here are the offerings that are addressed in this chapter: 1. Fine flour  (with oil & frankincense), 2. Oven baked cakes made with flour & oil, 3. Oven baked wafers with oil on them, 4. Bread baked on a flat plate, 5. Bread baked in a frying pan, and... 6. The first of the grain harvest which was to be dried by fire and either beaten into meal (or at least separated from the husks).

Oil and frankincense were variously offered with portions of all of these sacrifices. Only a small part of these things were actually burned on the brazen altar, the remainder belonged to the priests. Under no circumstance were they supposed to use leaven (yeast, fungus or any fermenting agent) in any meat offering. Specifically they were not supposed to ever burn any leaven or honey (II Chronicles 31:5) with any offering to the Lord. However, they were ALWAYS supposed to include salt with every meat offering (Mark 9:49-50, Colossians 4:6). If we meditate on all of the practical uses for salt then we should come to the spiritual meaning of its constant inclusion... preservation, healing, seasoning, etc.

God is still looking for offerings that do not require the shedding of blood. He wants us to live for Him. He yearns to see generous reciprocation in His children. He gave extravagantly to us... we should return gifts to Him of all that we have. Christ was a sacrifice for us all, yet, He desires and accepts holy offerings of obedience and gratitude from His children as we bring them in humble worship (Romans 12:1-2 and Hosea 14:2).