Leviticus 7

"If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mixed with oil, of fine flour, fried" (Leviticus 7:12).

Leaven is continuously mentioned in the Bible. Can anybody remember what leaven represents? Leaven represents sin. If you put any leaven inside a loaf of bread, the whole loaf is contaminated. It is not something you can just cut off. It becomes a part of the bread. Galatians 5:9 tells us, "A little leaven leavens the whole lump."

Notice that the Thanksgiving (Peace) Offering given in verse 12-14 had three types of offerings. The first was the offering of the unleavened wafer anointed with oil. Oil is alays a picture of the Holy Spirit. I am quickly reminded of Galatians 5:16, "I say, then, Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh." If we live in the Spirit we are not going to sin. This is the first thing offered and I cannot help but think it points us to Christ. He is unblemished, anointed by the Holy Spirit, the wafer broken for you and me.

Now look at the second item offered in verse 13. It is to be full of leaven. This comes following the giving of the perfect loaf. Why would God command them to give what would be representative of sin? I believe this is a picture of grace. First we see the picture of the loaf, anointed with oil, given as an offering. Now we see the loaf of bread, unworthy and full of leaven, given in the same offering. What is interesting about this loaf is, a portion was to be cut off and given as a heave offering. The heave offering involved taking an item. The item was held in their hands, which presented the item openly, palms facing up. The offering was then thrust from the heart of the priest as far up as he could reach. It was representative of telling the Lord, "This is from my heart to You." Notice what we give the Lord. We give Him a piece of our leavened life. It is full of sin, yet He accepts it. This is truly all we have to offer. We have no great ability or skill, nothing to really contribute. Nevertheless He accepts the offering given. What a picture of grace!

Rely on the grace of God. Live in His Word. Realize what He is ha done for you and give Him an offering of thanksgiving.

Remember to continue to pray for each other this week as pursue holy and acceptable lives for the Lord!