THE BLOOD

Today's Reading: Leviticus 3-4

Key Verse: Leviticus 4:17

Then the priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it seven times before the Lord, in front of the veil.

The first three chapters of this book explain the intricacies of the "sweet savour" offerings. Six times we read "a sweet aroma to the Lord." In chapter four, "sacrifices for sin" are introduced. Again we read, "the priest shall burn it on the altar for a sweet aroma to the Lord." When words are repeated over and over, we recognize that the subject is of great importance to the Lord. Why was it "sweet"? The love that God has for His human family is the very reason He created us in the first place. Here is a most graphic picture of the suffering of Christ on the altar of the Cross. Jesus took His own blood to the altar, which is before the throne of God in Heaven, and presented it as the ultimate and final "sweet aroma to the Lord."

The sacrifice of Christ and the shedding of His blood, even though painful to God in the extreme, was the only way for God's love to be consummated. The book of Hebrews deals with this in detail. I encourage you to Read Hebrews, particularly chapters 7 and 9.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your offering of Your precious blood on the altar in Heaven. Only by this means could Your love for us and our love for You be complete. Please give us the grace to never take our cleansing in Your blood for granted, but rather to cherish intensely what You've done for us. Amen!

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