Leviticus chapter 2.
The Lord gives instructions on how the grain offering is to be performed. He mentions five different ways all of which are to include these three requirements:
- The Finest Flour.
- No Yeast.
- Add Salt.
- The Finest Flour: we are to offer God nothing but our best and our best is everything, our whole life. I can't hang onto anything in this world, nothing. No love for any person, no job, no money, no possession. Nothing is to be held onto for self-pleasure over the Lord. All that we have is to be considered the Lord's. That means at any time we should be willing to give up anything or anyone if God so calls us to. What is there in My Life that I would not be willing to give up for the Lord? Is there a possession that I have that if God said give it away that I would not be willing to? For example my nice coat, my money, my Roberto Clemente collection, Etc. Is there a relationship I'm not going to walk away from if God said let it go because it's an interference?
- No Yeast: God said no yeast because yeast can contaminate that which is good. What lusts of our flesh do we let seep in that contaminates our heart for the Lord? What thoughts enter our minds toward others that contaminates our heart for the Lord?
- Add Salt because it helps preserve that which is good. God has given to us the Holy Spirit that helps us be holy and right before God. Listen, I fail on my own. I let things in this world interfere with my heart for the Lord. God forgive me and help me remove these distractions or lusts. I want you to have everything SO that I'm holding onto nothing. I surrender all my life, will, my heart, my possessions, my friendships to you and For Your Glory!
Thanks Pastor Blair! You did it again! I just read today’s chapter and I was feeling like I wasn’t getting much of anything out of it and I didn’t even know what I was going to share today. Then I read the response from Pastor Blair and Wow! How did I miss all that?
I have been feeling somewhat sad lately thinking about my parents getting older and the passing of people like Tim Conway who I remember when they were in their prime whenever I was in my childhood. Times seemed so much simpler back then and there didn’t seem to be so much division, confusion and hostility in our society although maybe there was and I just didn’t realize it as a child. My point is that nothing in this world lasts, even our physical bodies have an expiration on this planet and we can’t take anything with us when it’s time to go so we shouldn’t get too attached to stuff. Our relationship with God is what matters most! May we be completely surrendered to Him!
Hey Jim! Thanks for all you share. You have insight which is encouraging. Sometimes you are transparent. I appreciate your heart. You are not afraid to share the real you. Thank you. I have high respect for you and your whole family!
So true, my brothers! The grain offering was given with the burnt offering. It was in thanks and acknowledgement that their food comes from God and as a result they owed their very lives to Him. God gave several options for the grain offering just as He did for the burnt offering so that rich or poor, everyone had the opportunity to sacrifice according to their means – some had ovens, some had pans. It reminds me that we are all accountable to God according to how He has blessed us. If all we have is a simple frying pan (read “talent”) for the offering, offer it to God and watch Him be glorified through it.
In those days, Arab countries sealed an agreement with a gift of salt to show the strength and permanence of the contract. Salt penetrates, preserves and aids in healing (just like God does in our lives). The salt given with the grain offering reminded the people of the covenant with God. Every time you use salt, let it remind you that you are now one of God’s covenant people. Praise The Lord!
I looked at the three requirements PB listed, and tried to see how it fits into my life…
The Finest Flour. i like to think God gave me the ability to work with children, I did my first tour at church camp 2 years ago, and loved it. As far as my possessions, im not too concerned with material things, im kinda simple, but if i was to be honest i have some items that would be tough to give up.
No yeast ; some of my past demons are knocking at my door, I know i cannot put yeast in my body. i need to pray every-time i feel week, I cannot do this alone, I need Jesus. period.
Add Salt. Sunday school, church, and this bible challenge (my preservation)
i cant belive we are already done with 2 books. I have learned so much not just from my readings but from all of you.