TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Leviticus 1:1-17
It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the Lord. - Leviticus 1:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
What pleasant memories do you associate with certain smells? Does the odor of freshly-mown grass evoke images of a perfect summer day? You may think of your husband or wife every time you smell his or her favorite cologne or perfume. For others, smells from the oven bring back memories--fresh bread after school, pumpkin pie at holidays, or chicken soup when you were sick. Prompted by these or other meaningful smells, our minds return to significant moments or people in our lives.

Scripture describes God’s response to certain “smells” in a similar way, as illustrated in today’s verse. When the scent of true worship rose from the altar, He was pleased. When people’s hearts were not right, though, He could “smell” that, too. These are key points to remember as we examine the burnt offering of the Old Testament.

The burnt offering is the first of five offerings we will explore. We will spend three days examining each offering, looking at: (1) a basic description of the offering; (2) a key spiritual principle involved in the offering; and (3) one way in which Christ fulfills the offering.

The main purpose of the burnt offering was propitiation for general sin. Propitiation means to satisfy, and the burnt offering was given to satisfy God’s holy wrath over sin. A burnt offering was offered every morning and evening for the whole nation of Israel (Ex. 29:38-43). If an individual wanted to present it, he was required to bring a perfect male animal (Lev. 1:3, 10). He would lay his hand on it, signifying identification, then kill it, signifying that the animal was a substitutionary sacrifice (vv. 4-5). The penalty for sin was--and still is--death, but the animal died instead of the worshiper.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One principle from the burnt offering still instructs us today: each person gave according to his ability. A leader sacrificed a larger animal than an ordinary Israelite; a poor family usually had the option of sacrificing a less expensive bird (Lev. 1:3, 10, 14 with Lev. 12:.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Leviticus 17:11-14; Hebrews 9:22
Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. - Hebrews 9:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
Two days ago, we mentioned how blood transfusions save lives. But why? Scientifically speaking, why is blood so important?

You have about five liters of blood inside you, pumped around your body by your heart. Blood carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of your body, and returns with carbon dioxide for your lungs to exhale. Blood also transports vitamins and minerals, necessary hormones, and waste materials to their proper destinations in your body. New blood is continually being made inside your bones. Blood clots when you cut yourself, and white blood cells help fight various diseases.

Our Creator designed blood to do all these amazing tasks! The early Israelites knew that “the life of a creature is in the blood” (Lev. 17:11; cf. Deut. 12:23). That also helps explain the spiritual symbolism of blood and why the Old Testament required “blood sacrifice” for sin. Only blood could make atonement (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22; cf. Jn. 6:53-54).

That’s one of the key principles behind the burnt offering. The blood of the sacrificial animal had to be caught in a bowl and sprinkled against the sides of the altar. Today’s readings are explicit--blood is the effective element, that which actually operates to make atonement. Blood is therefore sacred, and the Israelites were forbidden to

eat or drink it. By contrast, many pagans did so, believing that they gained strength by absorbing animals’ (or enemies’) lives through their blood.

Why is blood necessary for forgiveness or atonement? This principle can be traced at least as far back as Noah (Gen. 9:4-6) and likely before (see Gen. 4:10). The reason is that sin deserves death--a price must be paid. Life for life must be given to satisfy perfect justice.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We have an unusual suggestion for today’s application: blood donation. If your age and physical health allow you to do so, consider donating blood at a local hospital, blood bank, or Red Cross office. You’ll be giving someone a gift of life, particularly if you have a rare blood type or are a universal donor.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Philippians 2:6-8
I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me...I always do what pleases him. - John 8:28-29
TODAY IN THE WORD
Harry Colcord was frightened and shaking. He was no daredevil. He had a safe, white-collar job in sales and marketing. So, what was he doing up here, 190 feet above Niagara Falls, on a tightrope, on the back of the famous acrobat Monsieur Blondin?

Colcord was Blondin’s agent, and to promote a Niagara Falls crossing they had advertised that he would ride on Blondin’s back on one of the 1,100-foot trips between the U.S. and Canadian sides. On August 17, 1859, about 100,000 people gathered to watch.

Blondin told Colcord that he must submit totally to him: “Until I clear this place be a part of me--mind, body, and soul. If I sway, sway with me. Do not attempt to do any balancing yourself. If you do we shall both go down to our death.” Colcord listened, and they made it!

Total submission was the key to this amazing feat. Total submission to His Father also characterized Christ, and is one important way in which He fulfills the Old Testament burnt offering.

Christ’s deity and perfect obedience made Him the perfect sacrifice (Phil. 2:6, . The burnt offering was a voluntary act of consecration or obedience. Since Christ was wholly dedicated to His mission of redemption, He fulfills this offering perfectly. The result of His sacrifice, a fragrant aroma before God, is just like the result of the burnt offering (Eph. 5:2).

Today’s passage presents a beautiful picture of Christ’s perfect submission and obedience. Perhaps a hymn of the early church, these verses highlight Christ’s humility, servanthood (cf. Mt. 20:28), and incarnation. Whereas in the burnt offering the worshiper simply identified symbolically with the animal, Christ literally became one of us! How obedient was He? To death--that is to say, to the uttermost. He loved us so much that He held nothing back.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Submission is a theme that recurs throughout this month’s study--in Abraham’s attitude, in Christ’s actions, and in New Testament passages on the obedience that should characterize our lives.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Leviticus 2:1-16
Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings. - Leviticus 2:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Last fall, after a three-year study, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that nearly ten percent of U.S. households suffer from hunger or do not have consistent access to adequate food. The rate was even higher in 18 states, led by New Mexico at 15.1 percent.

Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman commented, “During this, the most prosperous economy in decades, it should shock most Americans to learn that hunger persists and it is in every state.” The study found that even families living above the poverty line might go through food shortages, depending on such factors as season of the year, local cost of living, and community food programs.

Food. It seems so simple. Yet many struggle daily to obtain enough food. “Daily bread” is not so simple after all.

The Old Testament meal offering often began with this simple act--baking bread. The ingredients were important. This bread could not have any yeast, which reminded the Israelites of the unleavened bread they baked when God delivered them from Egypt in the Exodus (cf. Ex. 12:15; 1 Cor. 5:7-8). But this bread should have salt, symbolizing the covenant relationship between God and His people (Lev. 2:13; cf. Mt. 5:13; Mk. 9:50).

In ancient times, salt was costly. It was often used as a

preservative. These two qualities--value and permanence--make it an apt reminder of God’s covenant. Scripture even refers to “an everlasting covenant of salt” (Num. 18:19; cf. 2 Chron. 13:5).

The meal offering, since it was bloodless, had to accompany an animal sacrifice. Representative portions were placed on the altar with the main sacrifice, but most of the meal offering was eaten by the priests. Also called the grain offering or tribute offering, the meal offering’s main purpose was to show thankfulness for God’s provision. It also showed faith for tomorrow’s food, especially since the Israelites were receiving daily manna at the time this sacrifice was instituted
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One purpose of the meal offering was to help provide food for the priests. God cares for our physical needs.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Leviticus 6:14-17; Malachi 1:6-14
[The offering] must be without defect or blemish to be acceptable. - Leviticus 22:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
Handel’s Messiah “sets out the central truths of Christian faith with a concision and balance never equaled before or since,” says one music scholar. Another writer claims that the work “has probably done more to convince thousands of mankind that there is a God about us than all the theological works ever written.”

Using fifty-three Scripture verses, mostly from the Old Testament, Messiah tells the story of Christ’s birth, redemptive life and death, and future return. Many have noted how perfectly the music and words fit together, for instance, awe and dread are in both the words and music of “Who shall abide the day of His coming?” A sense of joy and expectancy is similarly conveyed in the section “O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion.” And of course the “Hallelujah Chorus” traditionally brings audiences to their feet in exultant respect and worship.

In both form and content, Handel’s Messiah is a perfect sacrifice of praise!

Offering only perfect sacrifices was a requirement of the Mosaic Law, a key principle in the sacrificial system. As Deuteronomy 15:21 summarizes: “If an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the Lord your God” (cf. Lev. 22:18-22). Why? Because offerings to the Lord were “most

holy” (Lev. 6:17)--only the best was acceptable.

The Malachi passage illustrates what happens when offerings are not perfect. God was angry at the Israelites for offering blind and crippled animals--ones they would never think of offering to a human governor! They showed contempt for Him and dishonored His name in doing so (1:6, 12-13). As a result, He refused to accept their sacrifices (v. 10). As has been the case ever since Cain, unacceptable sacrifices truly reveal the sinful hearts.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps one of your meals could be dedicated to a time of worship, remembrance, and re-consecration just as Passover meals were.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 6:26-58
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. - John 6:51
TODAY IN THE WORD
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, along with a group including soldiers, translators, and a Native American woman, Sacagawea, became the first exploration party to cross North America overland to the Pacific Ocean. From 1803-1806, they traveled thousands of miles on rivers, plains, and mountain trails. They discovered new species of plants and animals, observed previously unrecorded Native American cultures, and were the first whites to see such sights as the Great Falls in Montana.

Though Lewis and Clark did not find the transcontinental waterway dreamed of by President Thomas Jefferson, their achievement is a major milestone in U.S. history and the annals of world exploration. They blazed the trail to the American West, opening it for thousands of settlers, fur trappers, and adventurers who followed in their footsteps.

Jesus Christ also blazed a trail--to eternal life. It was also difficult; in fact, it cost Him His life. By believing in Him, we can receive new life.

This is one way in which Christ fulfilled the meal offering--by becoming the “bread of life” for all who believe on Him (Jn. 6:35, 48). He is the “living bread that came down from heaven” (v. 51). He gives “food that endures to eternal life” (v. 27). The bread He offers is the spiritual fulfillment of God’s provision for the first meal offerings: “Our forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever” (v. 58).

Where did this bread come from? It is a gift of God (vv. 32, 58). What does it bring? Eternal life (vv. 27, 40, 47, 54). Who may receive this bread and how? All whom God calls (vv. 37, 39, 44) to believe on the name of the Son (vv. 29, 40), figuratively eating His flesh and drinking His blood (vv. 51, 53-58).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you believed in the “living bread that came down from heaven”? Unless you “eat” of Him, you are dead in your sins.

On April 4, we urged you to trust Christ for salvation, and we’re doing so again today. Read again the two key verses from today’s Scripture reading: “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (v. 29). “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life” (v. 47). It’s that simple!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Leviticus 4:13-21, 27-35
The elders of the community are to lay their hands on the bull”s head before the Lord. - Leviticus 4:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
The hand is an important tool of human communication. Some research-ers have estimated that as much as sixty percent of all communication is nonverbal!

Consider a few examples related to hands. When a student raises her hand in class, the teacher knows she has a question or comment. When a friend places a hand on your shoulder, you know it is an expression of support or encouragement. When a legal witness puts his hand on the Bible, it indicates his commitment to tell “the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.” Joining hands, as for a family prayer, demonstrates unity.

When the elders of Israel (or any worshiper) laid their hands on the head of a sacrificial animal, their act signified an identification with the animal, an acceptance of responsibility for sin. This gesture was an essential part of the sin offering, the third Old Testament offering in this month’s study.

The sin offering, a compulsory sacrifice, was made for unintentional sin. Also referred to as a purification offering, its purpose was to restore the worshiper to unhindered fellowship with God. On the annual Day of Atonement, a special sin offering was made for all unintentional sins of which people were not already aware, an occasion to wipe the spiritual slate clean (see Ex. 30:10).

Acknowledgment and confession of sin was a key aspect of the sin offering (Lev. 5:5-6). It is thus fitting that in this sacrifice the animal was slain by the worshiper himself, rather than by a priest (Lev. 4:29). The overall procedure for the sin offering varied somewhat by person or occasion--today’s reading covers sacrifices for the entire community and for an ordinary Israelite as examples.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Although Christians today don’t have to make sin offerings, we need to take sin just as seriously! Why? Because our holy God does.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Leviticus 16:6-10, 20-31
He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites. - Leviticus 16:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
In modern usage, the idiom “scapegoat” is negative. If the boss is “looking for a scapegoat,” it means he wants someone to take the blame, no matter who deserves it. Perhaps the truth is too complex to understand or admit, or perhaps he himself is guilty of failure or wrongdoing and doesn’t want to acknowledge it.

A “scapegoat” is someone who takes undeserved blame, usually unwillingly. This person may be powerless in the situation and is innocent of what he or she is being “punished” for. Most people would sympathize with a “scapegoat,” but no one would want to be one.

The literal “scapegoat” of the Old Testament did indeed receive punishment for others, but it did so as part of God’s directions for the sin offering. The animal was a hapless victim--as is the focus in the modern phrase--but the community identified with the animal in a redemptive ritual. Identifying with the sacrificial animal by laying hands on it symbolically, and even legally, transferred guilt to it.

The sin offering described in today’s reading took place on the Day of Atonement, when Aaron as high priest represented the entire nation before the Lord. On this special day, two “scapegoats” were offered, one to be sacrificed and one to be sent from the camp into the desert. The animals became a substitutionary atonement, that is, they died or were exiled in place of the worshiper. By rights, this should have been the fate of the guilty people!

The first goat paid the price of sin, which is death. But what about the second goat? Why was it sent out of the camp? This goat symbolized the cleansing or removal of sin. “On this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins” (Lev. 16:30).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
On the Day of Atonement, the Israelites had to show their sincerity by fasting (“deny yourselves,” Lev. 16:29). Many of us might not be familiar with the Bible’s teaching on this discipline or how it applies to us today.

In the Bible, who fasted, when, how, and why? What can be learned from these examples? Is there any teaching relevant to this topic? What is the spiritual value of this activity? What are the dangers?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 3:21-26
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. - 2 Corinthians 5:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
Economists estimate that about 80 percent of all Americans carry a credit card debt. Most homeowners have a loan or mortgage, or even a second mortgage, to repay. Students must often borrow tens of thousands of dollars to attend increasingly expensive universities. Car loans are standard practice, and personal loans are available for those with good credit ratings. Many firms specialize in ubgone31 or refinancing, if payments soar out of a person’s control. For others, a pawn shop or loan shark might be the only option for a loan.

What financial debts are you carrying right now? Imagine a mysterious stranger showing up on your doorstep to let you know he’s paid off everything. How would you feel? Freedom, release, and joy, of course!

In the spiritual realm, Christ paid an even heavier debt, one which no human being could ever pay or repay. His atonement is a fulfillment of the Old Testament sin offering (Rom. 8:3). As today’s verse illustrates, He became the “scapegoat” for our sins, taking our guilt and punishment upon Himself.

As the culmination of the Old Testament sacrifices, Christ substituted Himself for us. Our guilt was transferred to Him, and by faith His righteousness is transferred to us (Rom. 3:22). The result is that we are no longer under a condemnation of death (Rom. 8:1).

The word “justified” (Rom. 3:24) indicates a legal transaction, a transfer of guilt similar to that seen in yesterday’s devotional. By this transaction, God’s justice is satisfied (v. 26). The NASB conveys this idea by translating “sacrifice of atonement” as “propitiation,” indicating a filling or a satisfaction (v. 25) of God’s wrath.

Redemption, however, is a matter not only of justice, but also of love. In this ultimate sacrifice, God Himself acted as the “priest,” offering His only Son for the salvation of the world (v. 25). From start to finish, Christ’s atoning sacrifice clearly demonstrates God’s infinite love (cf. 1 Jn. 2:2; 4:10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Christ’s atonement should prompt in us abundant thankfulness and faith! As a “thank offering” to God for His gift of eternal life, consider one of these creative options:

• Compose a song about Christ’s redemptive sacrifice.

• Write a poem commemorating the deeper meaning of Easter Sunday.

• Draw or paint a picture of “eternal life.” Convey both meaning and feeling.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Leviticus 5:14-6:7
It is a guilt offering; he has been guilty of wrongdoing against the LORD. - Leviticus 5:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
Steve and Mike Lane had a gospel songwriter for a mother and a minister for a stepfather. “We were two kids who grew up in church,” Steve says.

Yet the stepfather kept a collection of pornographic magazines, which Steve and Mike found. As adults, they produced publications defending pornography and were set to enter the lucrative business themselves. Thirty thousand pornographic magazines had been printed and were stacked in a warehouse awaiting distribution.

Then they watched an evangelistic television program and trusted Christ as Savior. Their lives changed, and their magazine investment was lost. Says Steve: “What we have now is worth a lot more than money.”

Steve and Mike could not sell their pornography magazine once Christ had entered their hearts. True repentance changes the heart and thus the actions. This same idea underlies the Old Testament guilt offering, the fourth sacrifice to be considered in this month’s study.

As in the sacrifices we’ve already studied, the guilt offering included true confession, blood atonement, and God’s promise of forgiveness. One new feature is that this offering required restitution, when appropriate (Lev. 5:16; 6:5). To show true repentance, a worshiper was required to pay back and add 20 percent (a double tithe).

One type of sin requiring a guilt offering (also called a trespass offering) was the unintentional breaking of special commands regarding religious duties (vv. 15, 17). Examples included neglecting to tithe or eating the priest’s portion of a sacrifice. The point, as summed up in today’s verse, is that such sins were “wrongdoing against the Lord” in a distinct way.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We need to see our sins in the same way that God does. What does this mean?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 5:5-8
The priest will make atonement for him before the Lord, and he will be forgiven. - Leviticus 6:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Zacchaeus, chief tax collector in Jericho, had heard that Jesus was coming. Although curious, he was a short man and could not see over the crowd. So he climbed a sycamore tree to get a better look. What luck--Jesus was headed straight in his direction!

How surprised Zacchaeus was when Jesus stopped, looked up at him, and invited Himself to dinner. Touched by Jesus’ love, and no doubt also by His message of forgiveness, Zacchaeus repented of his cheating and corruption as chief tax collector. To make restitution, he pro-mised to donate half of his goods to the poor and to pay people he had cheated back four times over!

Jesus affirmed that Zacchaeus’ actions showed a true change of heart: “Today salvation has come to this house” (Lk. 19:9).

Zacchaeus’ repentance and restitution illustrate a core principle of the Old Testament guilt offering (Num. 5:6-7).

Themes of confession and forgiveness have recurred throughout this month. Sin must be dealt with, confessed, and turned from. Failure to do so creates a barrier to fellowship with God. This is as true for us as it was for the Israelites under the Law, for God’s hatred for sin is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We should imitate Him, being willing to do whatever it takes to pursue righteousness (see Mt. 5:29-30).

To follow God means to have zero tolerance for sin (1 Jn. 1:5) and to be in love with His beautiful and eternal holiness (see Ps. 93:5). “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isa. 6:3).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Human nature causes us to fear confession of every wrongdoing, but by God’s grace we have nothing to be afraid of!

We expect our sin to cause shame and suffering, but Christ offers us joy and forgiveness when we confess.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 9:11-15, 25-28
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Redemption is not just a moment in history. Seen from God’s point of view, redemption is a plan that fills all of history.

Inspired by this idea, songwriters Bob Farrell and Greg Nelson put together a 1994 music album entitled, Songs for the Savior: The Story of God’s Passion for His People. Featuring artists such as Steve Green, Larnelle Harris, and Twila Paris, the album’s music explores Creation, the Fall, the Exodus, and Messianic prophecies, arriving finally at the “Cross of Love.”

The theme of redemption, or atonement, can be seen throughout history and Scrip-ture. It explains and fulfills not only the Old Testament sin offering (April 13), but the guilt offering as well (cf. Is. 53:10).

We have already mentioned how Christ’s atonement paid the price for sin. But it goes even further than that. It also redeems us from the damaging effects of sin. In other words, salvation attacks sin from the core outward--those who trust Christ become wholly new creations (2 Cor. 5:17)!

This is because Christ’s blood is infinitely superior to the blood of animal sacrifices. Those former offerings made worshipers outwardly clean, but Christ makes us inwardly clean (Heb. 9:13-14). Moreover, Christ is a superior priest to the high priests of the Old Testament---whereas they repeatedly needed to offer sacrifice, Christ only needed to sacrifice once (vv. 11, 15, 25-28).

Without pushing the analogy too far, we might say that the sin offering foreshadowed justification--the change in “legal status” for those who believe on Christ--whereas the guilt offering foreshadowed sanctification--God’s ongoing redemptive work in us (cf. Rom. 8:29). These two aspects of salvation are inseparable and guaranteed, as today’s verse demonstrates .

We have not yet seen the ultimate completion of our redemption. One day, Christ will come back to consummate the salvation He won (Heb. 9:28)--an encouraging promise to remember on this Palm Sunday.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How much do you know about Messianic Judaism? As we continue our study of how Christ fulfilled the sacrifices of the Old Testament, you might wish to explore this topic further.

You might begin your research in your church library or a local Christian bookstore. Or you could visit Internet sites such as Jews for Jesus. Perhaps you would enjoy listening to an album of Messianic praise songs.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Leviticus 3:1-17
Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High. - Psalm 50:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
As described in Don Richardson’s missionary classic, Peace Child, the Sawi culture of Irian Jaya considered treachery to be a virtue. “To fatten with friendship for the slaughter” was admirable and praiseworthy. When Richardson first shared the gospel with the Sawi people, they thought that Judas was the hero. After all, he betrayed his friend with a kiss!

Then Richardson discovered a Sawi custom which helped him explain the gospel. To make peace after a war, each tribe sent a “peace child” to be raised by the other tribe. Peace would last as long as the children lived. To betray a “peace child” was not heroism, but the most detestable act imaginable. When the Sawi heard that Judas had betrayed God’s “Peace Child,” Jesus, they understood the meaning of the gospel story.

God sent His only Son to live among and die for His enemies (Rom. 5:10). He is our “Peace Child,” or in Old Testa-ment terms, our “peace offering.” The peace offering is the last of the five Old Testament sacrifices included in this month’s study.

The peace offering had several variations. A “thank offering” was given for a specific, unexpected blessing or deliverance by God. A “vow offering” was given to fulfill a vow made as part of a prayer to God for help. A “freewill offering” had no specific reason--it was given out of general gratitude for all God’s goodness and blessings.

The peace offering was also called the fellowship offering, because it restored and celebrated fellowship with God. In it, a worshiper killed an animal personally, as with previously studied sacrifices. Blood atonement was again key. A unique feature of this offering, however, was that the sacrifice was eaten afterwards by the priest and worshiper in a communal meal. This is the only offering that became “food” for the worshiper (Lev. 3:16; cf. 7:15-16).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
When is the last time you gave God a “freewill offering”? Something unbudgeted, unscheduled, out of the usual routine?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 50:1-23
I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them. - Jeremiah 32:40
TODAY IN THE WORD
For thousands of years, people have been trying to guard their valuables. The Romans developed the model for modern locks and keys. Much as we do today, they inserted a metal key into a specially grooved or patterned hole and turned it to open the lock.

Locks didn’t change much until the 1800s. In 1848, Linus Yale invented the now-familiar padlock, improving a design first pioneered by the ancient Egyptians.

Today we have combination locks, keycards, number-coded electronic security systems, palm and eye scanners, and other technologically-advanced devices, but the basic purpose remains the same--to maintain security.

God’s promises are the safest measures in the world! He always keeps them--His faithfulness is absolute. His covenant faithfulness is a key principle behind the Old Testament peace offering.

The meal eaten during the ceremony reminded the Israelites of their covenant. When God and His people were in harmony, it was as though they sat down together to share table fellowship, something very meaningful in that culture.

The setting for today’s reading is a courtroom. The case concerns this covenant (Ps. 50:5). God is the judge (vv. 4-7). First we see that the covenant is for human benefit, not God’s. As the sovereign Creator, He has no need of offerings (v. 9). Then we read the verdict. Some Israelites had been going through the rituals, but their hearts were far from Him (vv. 16-21). To avoid God’s wrath, they were instructed to make a peace offering: “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God” (v. 23).

Jeremiah records another valuable description of this covenant relationship (32:38-41). God does everything: “I will never stop doing good to them
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Throughout the Old Testament, God accuses Israelites of offering sacrifices out of mere duty, when their hearts are not obeying Him.

But, as Jeremiah says, God rejoices in providing for us. So in whatever capacity we give to God, it should come from a similar joy and love.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 5:1-2, 6-11
When we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son. - Romans 5:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
Could you forgive someone who murdered your child? Mrs. Washington was faced with that question--and she answered yes.

For 15 years, Ron Flowers had said he was innocent of the murder of Mrs. Washington’s young daughter, but after joining a Prison Fellowship program, he finally admitted his guilt. Mrs. Washington had been sending annual letters to the parole board asking that Flowers not be released, but that week she felt strongly convicted to forgive him. She wrote to the parole board to tell them she no longer opposed his release, and visited him to express her forgiveness.

Later, at a graduation ceremony for inmates who had completed a drug and alcohol prevention program, she embraced him publicly and announced, “This young man is my adopted son.” Tears glinted in the eyes of both prisoners and guards.

How could this woman forgive her daughter’s killer? Through the grace of God, who has forgiven us, for whom His only child died. Through His Son’s death, we are fully reconciled to God--this is the most important way in which Jesus fulfills the Old Testament peace offering. This sacrifice was made to mark deliverance or blessing, and our salvation is certainly both!

Peace in today’s reading is an objective reality (Rom. 5:1-2).

Being reconciled to God means that we are saved from His wrath and now stand in a state of grace. Although we were once His enemies, Christ’s atonement ended the war: “He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Eph. 2:14). Jesus even calls us His friends (Jn. 15:13-16; Col. 1:21-23).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Follow in the footsteps of Christ today. Is there someone to whom you need to be reconciled? Someone who has wronged you and who needs your forgiveness? Don’t hold grudges, no matter how badly that other person has hurt you. As soon as possible, do whatever it takes to extend God’s love and forgiveness to him or her, remembering that the strength to do so comes from Him alone. To realize how important this is, review Matthew 6:14-15.