by Henry Law
Reader, you are invited here to take your stand within the tabernacle's court. A crowded and a busy scene appears. Many worshipers bring many offerings. All is activity. But all the active zeal has one great object—to honor God in God's appointed way.
Each offering in this court is a full page of Gospel-truth. Christ in His grace and work is the golden key to open every part. Leviticus is Calvary fore-shown. Calvary is Leviticus unfolded. The one casts forward the morning ray. The other pours down the mid-day blaze. But the early and the brighter beams stream from one Sun—Christ Jesus. The brazen altar is the herald of the cross. The cross re-echoes to the brazen altar's voice.
In a long train of ceremonial teaching the Burnt offering takes the lead. Let this, then, first be noticed.
An offerer comes. Mark what he brings. If his offering be from the herd, it must be an unblemished male. Lev. 1:3. It must be the choicest produce from his pastures—the primest flower from his fields. There must be strength in fullest vigor, and beauty without one alloy. Such are the properties required.
The meaning is distinct. Jesus is here. The victim chosen before worlds were framed is thus portrayed. Strength and perfection are main colors in His portrait. He is as strong as God can be. The shield of omnipotence is on His arm. Hence He is able to achieve the grandest of all victories—even to tread down Satan and his empire. Hence He is able to bear away the weightiest of all burdens—even the vast mass of all His people's sin!
The Burnt Offering
"Then he will burn it on top of the wood fire on the altar. It is a whole burnt offering made by fire, very pleasing to the Lord." Leviticus 1:17
Reader, you are invited here to take your stand within the tabernacle's court. A crowded and a busy scene appears. Many worshipers bring many offerings. All is activity. But all the active zeal has one great object—to honor God in God's appointed way.
Each offering in this court is a full page of Gospel-truth. Christ in His grace and work is the golden key to open every part. Leviticus is Calvary fore-shown. Calvary is Leviticus unfolded. The one casts forward the morning ray. The other pours down the mid-day blaze. But the early and the brighter beams stream from one Sun—Christ Jesus. The brazen altar is the herald of the cross. The cross re-echoes to the brazen altar's voice.
In a long train of ceremonial teaching the Burnt offering takes the lead. Let this, then, first be noticed.
An offerer comes. Mark what he brings. If his offering be from the herd, it must be an unblemished male. Lev. 1:3. It must be the choicest produce from his pastures—the primest flower from his fields. There must be strength in fullest vigor, and beauty without one alloy. Such are the properties required.
The meaning is distinct. Jesus is here. The victim chosen before worlds were framed is thus portrayed. Strength and perfection are main colors in His portrait. He is as strong as God can be. The shield of omnipotence is on His arm. Hence He is able to achieve the grandest of all victories—even to tread down Satan and his empire. Hence He is able to bear away the weightiest of all burdens—even the vast mass of all His people's sin!
Perfection finds embodiment in Him. His every aspect is beauty, without one flaw. All evil buffeted Him, but it left no stain. Sin could not touch Him, though He sojourned in its home. Earth saw in Him one sinless inhabitant. From the manger to the cross, He shone one ray of godlike purity.
O my soul, you need strong help. Repose on Jesus: His strength suffices, and it cannot fail. You need a perfect ransom and a perfect robe. Repose on Jesus; He gave to God a spotless life, a spotless soul, to be your price. He gives to you a spotless righteousness to be your clothing. Thus the unblemished male pictures the beauteous and the strong Redeemer.
We next approach the chambers of the offerer's heart. We read, "He shall offer it of his own voluntary will." Lev. 1:3. There is no compulsion. There is no reluctance. His step is willingness.
This is a picture of faith's happy actings. Its chariot-wheels move swiftly. It feels sin's miserable need. It knows the value of redeeming blood. So it flies, with rapid wing, to plead it at the mercy-seat. Formalists may frequent God's courts. Habit's cold chains may drag them. Self-righteousness may urge them to the heartless task. But faith is a willing grace.
The eager offerer puts his hand upon the victim's head. Lev. 1:4. Do any ask the meaning of this rite? It graphically shows a transfer. Some load oppresses, which is thus cast on the victim. Some burden passes to another's person. Here is again the happy work of faith. It brings all guilt, and heaps it on the Savior's head. One sin retained is misery now, and hell at last. All must be pardoned by being brought to Christ. And He is waiting to receive. His office is to be this burden-bearer. His love constrains, and He cannot draw back.
Do any read this, who never have thus dealt with Christ? Sirs, where are your sins? They adhere tighter than your very skin. They have a millstone weight. They press to misery's unfathomable depths. But flee to Jesus. He can remove them all, and He alone.
Believer, where are your sins? On Jesus they are placed, and you are free. I ask again, Where are your sins? You answer, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Ps. 103:12. You may rejoice and sing aloud, Christ is accepted as a substitute for me; I shall not be condemned. Thus with one hand faith casts away all misery, and with the other grasps all joy.
The victim, to which sins thus typically pass, must DIE. "He shall kill the young bull before the Lord." Lev. 1:5. Can Jesus, who in reality receives our guilt, not lay down life? It cannot be. The holy Word stands sure; "In the day that you eat thereof, you shall surely die." Gen. 2:17. The sinner's surety, then, cannot be spared. He gives His life to pay the debt—to satisfy the wrath—to bear the curse—to expiate the guilt.
O my soul, "Christ died" is all your hope—your plea—your remedy—your life. "Christ died" opens your path to God. "Christ died" turns every frown into approving smiles. When the law thunders, and conscience quakes, and Satan accuses, interpose "Christ died," and fear no more. When the grave opens, whisper "Christ died," and sleep in peace. When the white throne is set, shout "Christ died," and take the crown of righteousness!
The victim's blood is SPRINKLED "round about upon the altar." Lev. 1:5. The blood is evidence that life is paid. This token then is profusely scattered. The priestly hands bedewed the altar with it. Thus Jesus enters with His own blood into the holy place. Heb. 9:12. He strews it round, and claims the purchased flock, the covenanted blessings—the full reward, the fruit of His completed work.
O my soul, you are bought, and cleansed, and comforted by blood. Your every blessing is a blood-bought gift. Let every prayer, and praise, and work, and service, be a blood-sprinkled offering.
The victim is next SKINNED. Lev. 1:6. The skin is torn away. The sacrificing priest received this, as his portion. It gave supplies of clothing. Is there no Gospel here?—say you, who joy in Jesus as "the Lord your righteousness." Yes, here is a picture of that heaven-pure robe, in which Christ decks each child of faith. His blood, indeed, removes all curse. But it is His obedience, which merits all glory. Because He died, we live. Because He lived, we reign.
The piercing knife divides the limbs. Members are torn from members, and all the parts, without, within, to which defilement usually adheres, are diligently washed. Lev. 1:9. The type of Jesus must be clean. No shadow of impurity may darken it. Again and again the truth resounds, that God's eye can only rest on perfect purity. How, then, shall the sinner stand, who ventures near apart from Christ? Reader, consider this at once! Oh! never rest until you know, that you are cleansed without by cleansing blood, and cleansed within by sanctifying grace.
The parts thus severed, and thus washed, are placed upon the altar. Consuming fire is brought. It preys on every limb. The raging flame devours, until this fuel is reduced to ashes. Lev. 1:9.
Let us now seek the truth, which echoes from this blazing fire. The garden and the cross unfold it. There Jesus presents Himself, laden with all the sins of all His chosen race. O my soul, have you a saving interest in Him? If it be so, He there appears, bearing the guilt of all your guilty life. The Sinless is accounted sinful, that the sinful may be spared as sinless.
What then occurs? Sin merits wrath. This wrath must fall. Justice must claim its due. Truth must be true. Holiness must show how evil is abhorred. The majesty and honor of God's empire cannot descend from their high throne. Sinner, be sure that sin cannot be spared. You must take woe, except this Surety take it for you.
What then occurs? See Jesus crushed to the earth beneath the load of anguish. Each bleeding pore proclaims, that more cannot be borne.
But whence is the God-man's mighty agony? The fire of heaven's wrath has fallen on Him. Vengeance has seized its prey. He undergoes the every pang, which would have tortured His redeemed people, if they had tossed in hottest flames forever. The fire burns—the anger rages—until each sin has infinitely suffered what it infinitely earned. No fuel then remains. All is consumed. The fire dies. The wrath expires. Hark! Jesus utters the wondrous word, "It is finished!"
O my soul, in calm and holy reverence, survey this dreadful scene. It is your ransom. It is your escape. It is your rescue from eternal ruin. It is another draining hell's cup for you. This one Burnt offering receives all vengeance. The fire of justice, that died in Christ, cannot revive to injure you.
The Spirit seals the record with this approving seal—"It is a Burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the Lord." Lev. 1:9. Here is witness worth ten thousand worlds. Here is the sweetest cordial, which the lips of faith can drink. The dying Jesus is heaven's "sweet savor." When the God-man victim burns upon the altar of the cross, each attribute is satisfied; no more, exults with ever-exulting joy; no more, is magnified to the highest heights; no more, is glorified until glory overflows.
Reader, the type blazes to win you to the saving cross. Whatever be your state or grade, be wise, and seek your richest pleasures here. The rite distinctly shows, that rich and poor alike need pardon, and alike must come. Sin has soiled all. All, then, must wash in expiating blood. The wealthy brought their victim from the herd. He, who had less of worldly wealth, offered his lamb or kid. The poorest inhabitant of the poorest hut gave the young pigeon or the turtle-dove. All placed upon the altar a burnt-sacrifice. A Savior is the one need of rich and poor. The richest is most poor, until Christ be found. The poorest is most rich, when once this pearl be clasped.
Such is the Gospel of the Burnt offering. Reader, leave it not without three solemn thoughts deep written in your heart.
1. Fire burns there. It burns to tell us what is sin's due. It frightfully portrays what all must bear, on whom that plague abides. Look at the consuming blaze and meditate on the tossings of the fiery lake—the flames, which cannot die—the gnawings of the ever-gnawing worm—the raging of relentless wrath—the agony, which tortures mind, and soul, and body. See in this sight God's utmost power put forth to inflict utmost pains through endless ages. See sin's sure doom. May the sight drive you rapidly to Christ!
2. Mark here God's wondrous grace. To save lost souls He gives the Son of His love to the fury of His wrath. He heaps all woe on Him, that no woe may remain for the redeemed. His frown is pitiless towards Him, that He may smile unceasingly on them. How dear must they be to His heart! He, who is the preciousness of heaven, descends to bear the worst of their vile doom. The Burnt offering sweetly cries, Abundant grace exceeds abundant sin.
3. What shall the ransomed render to salvation's Lord? The Burnt offering demands from them self offering. Let all heaven hear—let all earth take knowledge, that they give themselves, their souls, their bodies, their every faculty and gift, all influence, all means, their morning, midday, evening hours, to be a free-will sacrifice to free grace. Let the high altar of self-consecrating gratitude be raised. Let the whole life be one clear blaze of flaming love and ever-brightening service!
The Grain Offering
"When you bring a grain offering to the Lord, the offering must consist of choice flour. You are to pour olive oil on it and sprinkle it with incense." Leviticus 2:1
Faith gleans rich lessons in the tabernacle's court. Rapid variety marks the scene. But every change still shows a changeless object. The varied rites have one grand purpose. Their several parts have one mind—and that, the mind of God. Each has an end—to illustrate redemption. Each has an office—to unfold the Gospel. Each is a witness to life-giving truth. Scoffers are blind to Calvary's cross. It is no marvel, that they find no Savior here. But truly Scripture contains more of Christ than human eye has ever yet discerned.
Reader, pause now, and ponder the Grain offering. It holds the second place in the display of these Christ-teaching rites. May the great Spirit's rays so brightly shine upon it, that some new view of Jesus may appear!
God's wisdom terms it "The Grain offering;" and justly so, because its larger part supplied the priest with food. Its substance and its use are the chief points, which claim attention.
Its main material is FLOUR. Ver. 1. Is there no meaning in this choice? Mark, God's own mind selects it. His mind is the abode of wondrous thought. Examine flour. By what process is it formed? Earth yields the grain; repeated blows thresh it from the husks; the grinding mill reduces it to powder.
Reader, this thought glides easily to Christ. He stoops to be the poor offspring of poor earth. He, whom no heavens can hold, is born the woman's seed. And then what batterings assail Him! The earliest prophecy predicts His bruised heel. Hell spares no blow. Earth's fury lashes Him with ceaseless rage. The strokes of Justice crush Him to the dust of death.
O my soul, a suffering Jesus is your full salvation. A bruised God-man is your blessed hope. His wounds are your safe refuge. His stripes heal you. He was broken to make you whole. He was crushed to raise you up. He groaned to bring you ease. He died, that you may live.
The QUALITY of the flour is distinctly marked. It must be FINE. All coarseness must be sifted out. No impure speck may stain it.
Reader, see the lovely beauties of the Lord. His charms bring comfort to the anxious soul. Let but one flaw be found in Him, and salvation's pillar moulders into dust. Then cleansing would be needed for His own defects. No blood would then remain for others' guilt. But He comes forth in all the glory of pure sinlessness. Thus He can take the sinner's place, and pay the sinner's debt, and cast a spotless mantle round His church. Thus we are beauteous in His beauty; fair in His fairness; lovely in his loveliness; robed in His grace. The pure Grain offering sounds the Gospel-note, "He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor. 5:21.
OIL is added. Lev. 2:1. Its many properties are emblems of the Spirit's grace. Christ's very name imports, that all the Spirit was outpoured on Him. His life attests this truth. When He appeared in earthly frame, it was the Spirit's workmanship. Luke 1:35. When He ascended from the streams of Jordan, the Spirit, as a dove, descended on Him. Luke 3:22. When He approached His direst conflict with the power of hell, the Spirit led Him by the hand. Luke 4:1. When, on the altar of the cross, He gave His soul an offering for sin, the Spirit's might upheld Him. Heb. 9:14. When He burst the fetters of the grave, the quickening Spirit aided. 1 Peter 3:18. His lips dropped wisdom—His steps were goodness—His hand was boundless power—His heart was overflowing love. It must be so. The God-man was the Spirit's home. God gave not the Sprit by measure unto Him. John 3:34. The Grain offering was rich in oil. Jesus abounded with the Spirit's grace.
Believer, are you conformed to your anointed head? Are you the living temple of the Holy Spirit? "Be filled with the Spirit," is his trumpet-tongued command. Eph. 5:18. Can He thus speak and not be ready to dwell fully in you? Can He be ready, and will you exclude Him? Oh! grieve Him not—wrong not your needy soul. Admit Him in His every gift. He is no Christian, who is unlike Christ. He is unlike, in whom the Spirit works no likeness.
INCENSE is sprinkled on the mass. Lev. 2:1. Thus the Grain offering scatters fragrance round, and as the senses with delicious joy.
And is not Christ the incense of delight, in heaven, in earth? The precious merits of His work regale each attribute of God. He brings full honor to their every claim. No Christ-saved soul sits down in bliss, but to add glory to Jehovah's name, and to bring brightness to Jehovah's crown, and to deck justice, mercy, truth, in more resplendent rays.
He, also, is perfume to His people's hearts. Say, you who know Christ Jesus, is not His name "as perfume poured out?" Is He not your sachet of myrrh?—your "bouquet of flowers?" Song 1:13, 14. He blots out every sin. He bears away all curse. He heals all wounds. He dries all tears. He stills all conscience-fears. He shows God reconciled—hell vanquished—heaven won. In Him the past has lost its terror. In Him the present is hope's clear watchtower. In Him the future is an expanse of glory. Can there be incense more gladdening, than these refreshing truths? Reader, grasp Him, and refresh yourself in this garden of sweet joy.
No LEAVEN and no HONEY may be added. Lev. 2:11. The leaven is quick to change and taint the meal. It rapidly pervades. It casts a savor into every part. Hence, leaven is evil's emblem. For sin admitted will run wildly through the heart. Its course pollutes. Its touch leaves all impure.
Honey is most luscious to the palate. But is it harmless? No, it soon proves a sickening and fermenting pest. Its sweetness tempts. But bitterness ensues. Here is a symbol of sin's flattering bait. It shows enticements in its front. It seems to call to rich delights. It promises a honied feast. But ah! the juice is gall. The dregs are wormwood. Sin's smiles end in hell-pains.
No such admixtures may defile this type. To paint the sun, we use our brightest tints. To show forth Christ, we must have pure and purifying signs.
But SALT must be infused. Lev. 2:13. Its properties repel corruption and defy decay. Where it is sprinkled freshness lives. At its approach time drops its spoiling hand. Again behold the Lord. His essence and His work are purity's bright blaze. He soars above defilement, high as the heavens excel the earth. He washes, and His saints are cleansed. He breathes within them, and corruptions cease.
Believer, you too are called to be this vile earth's salt. Mat. 5:13. When you go forth may purity walk hand in hand! When your lips speak may purity's best seed be dropped! May your whole life be counter-active of sin's taint! May many an error die when you are near!
Salt, also, portrays the perpetuity of grace.
Believer, you know that Jesus loves you. You read it in His cross. You see it in the Word—that mirror of His heart. You hear it in His Spirit's call. Know, that this love is as eternal as Himself. The covenant of salt precedes the birth—survives the death, of time.
The Grain offering is thus significantly formed. Its USE is next distinctly shown. The offerer is to "Bring this offering to one of Aaron's sons, and he will take a handful of the flour mixed with olive oil, together with all the incense, and burn this token portion on the altar fire. It is an offering made by fire, very pleasing to the Lord." Lev. 2:2. A part is cast upon the altar's hearth. The fire enwraps it in devouring folds. It is the prey of the consuming blaze.
Faith knows full well the Gospel of this act. It sees wrath falling on the spotless and anointed victim. The burning grain exhibits Jesus in the furnace of acute anguish. What awe, what peace, live in this wondrous sight!
What AWE! Here is full evidence of sin's deserts. Sin rouses the just vengeance of our righteous God. It is an outrage to His honor, to His nature, and His name. It must have torment. An adamantine chain unites it to excruciating woe. If it escapes, God's majesty is wronged. The God-man in the garden and on the cross shows how God's anger deals with this foul foe.
What PEACE! Jesus consents to suffer all. Each vial is outpoured on Him. The fire finds its prey, and spares not. Believer, see the Grain offering on the altar, and let your every fear subside. Gaze, and let tranquil peace lull every anxious thought. Wrath ends in Jesus. It takes its dues from Him. It leaves Him not until all is paid. Its sting then dies. No penal woe remains for you. Justice forbids, that punishment should twice be asked. You may look calmly on the fiery lake. A suffering Christ has quenched its flames for you. Happy believer, your sins, though many, have endured their death. Happy believer, where are hell's pains for you? Your Surety has exhausted all.
The Grain offering had further use. "The rest of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons: it is a most holy part of the offerings made to the Lord by fire." Lev. 2:3.
Here is another view of Christ. It shows most tender and providing love. The Gospel truth is bread of life to hungry souls. They, who serve Christ, sit down at a rich table. A feast is spread to nourish and to regale. Christ gives Himself—heaven's richest produce—as substantial food. He is the bread of life. His flesh is food indeed: His blood is drink indeed. The Spirit is ever calling to the banquet-house, "Eat O friends," "Eat that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." Faith hears, faith hastens, faith partakes, and thrives, and feasts again, and gains recruited energies for new work.
Poor worldlings snatch at miscalled pleasure's husk. They eat, and fret, and pine, and perish.
In preparing the Grain offering account was made of varying grades of outward circumstance. Diverse utensils were enjoined to meet diversity of rank and state. The rich must use their best. The poor must humbly bring from their more humble hearths. But rich and poor alike must offer. Lev. 2:4, 5, 7.
One Christ is the one plea at heaven's gate. The rich man's riches open not the door. The poor man's poverty has no moving voice. Hear this, you RICH. Earthly pelf is little now, and nothing to buy pardon. But Christ enriches in present and in endless time. His treasure is ennobling gain, enduring joy, a crown of life, a throne of glory. Bring this Grain offering, and you are rich indeed.
You POOR, draw near. Especial welcomes beckon you. Your toil-worn hands may clasp the cross. Your lowly huts may entertain the Lord of lords. Without Him poverty is hard indeed. But He can make you kings and priests to God. By His side, work is light. In His arms rest is sweet. In His love, life has few frowns. In His faith, death sweetly smiles. Bring this Grain offering, and you are no more poor.
Spirit of God, great Teacher of the Church, blessings be Yours, for thus revealing Christ.
The Peace Offering
"If someone's offering is a peace offering, and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he is to present before the Lord an animal without defect." Leviticus 3:1
"On earth peace!" Thus angels' lips announce the Savior's birth. "On earth peace!" It comes, it lives, it thrives with Christ. "On earth peace!" Such is the olive-branch, which these brief lines would wave. "On earth peace!" Great Spirit, plant this happy inhabitant in each reader's heart!
God strives in every way to bring poor sinners to His peaceful sway. Before the worlds, eternal councils planned the way of peace. When enmity began, grace hastened to reveal it. A stream of prophecy rolled the news onward. And here a graphic ordinance portrays it. A model stands to show the parts and working of the reconciling scheme.
Some anxious soul sighs for felt peace with God. What shall be done? God smooths the way. His voice declares, let the sin-appeasing victim be now brought. Peace rightly sought shall surely be obtained.
Now mark this VICTIM. It may be male or female. It may be taken from larger cattle, or from sheep or goats. Lev. 3:1, 6, 12. This is permission of unusual breadth. The prince—the peasant—from richest pastures, or bare mountain's brow, may readily obtain the expiating means. The purport is both gracious and distinct. Where is the man, who would have peace with God? No barrier keeps him back. No distant search is needed. The appointed offering touches his threshold. The soul at every moment may find Christ. The hand may grasp Him at each turn. He is the nearest object to the rich man's hall. He sits beside each Lazarus at the gate. He is ever present—ever willing. No sinner pines in wretchedness, because the Peace offering is beyond his reach. Behold Me—take Me—is the burden of the Gospel-cry.
But from whatever flock the male or female came, one test must prove it. It must be without defect, free from fault. A blameless type proclaims the blameless Lord. He is the essence of pure excellence. He was made flesh without corruption's taint. His walk on earth was as holy as His throne in heaven. If but one speck had soiled Him, it would have turned God's smile into a frown. To have bought favor for Himself would then have cost His all. But now His hands are sinless; therefore they can take our sins. He needs no payment for Himself; and so can buy our peace.
Such are the marks of the Peace offering. God next directs the offerer to "lay his hand on the head of his offering." Lev. 3:2. This act denotes the transfer of all guilt. The burdened one thus rolls off his load. The lightened shoulder thus receives relief.
This is the happiest exercise of faith. It knows, that Christ is called, and comes, and dies, to take His people's guilt. It sees Him ever ready to receive the weight. With rapid step it ventures near. With eager hand it casts off misery. The unburdened conscience grasps deliverance.
Believer, why should you lie in dust, oppressed and crushed by fears? Why are your eyes so dull to see heart-ease? Hark! our Peace offering presents Himself. Christ calls, Give Me your every sin—transmit the whole mass of it to Me! I will remove it, so that God no more shall find it. Wrong not your soul—obey. There is no peace, while sin-distress weighs down. There is all peace, when the huge mountains of sin sink. The sting extracted leaves no pain.
The victim is then slain. Lev. 3:2. Here is the wondrous fact, which is the light of types, and rites, and prophecies, and solemn texts. Here is the brightest sunshine of the Bible-page. Death is denounced, as the desert of sin. But, through amazing grace, it falls on Christ! He claims the dying place. He gives His life to the avenging stroke. Each blood-besprinkled altar preached a peace thus bought. It told of sin-satisfying agony, and reconciling blood, and an accepted surety. It showed the price all paid—the wrath removed—the curse endured—the flock all free.
Reader, you often hear and read this blessed truth. Say, is this peace-procuring work the perfect rest of your reposing soul? Do you sit down beneath the cross and sing, 'The enmity died there?'
The slaughtered animal was then divided. The best—the choicest of the parts, were placed upon the burning altar. Devouring flames preyed on them. Lev. 3:3, 4, 5. Another portion was the priest's own due. Lev. 7:31, 32. The rest supplied the offerer with food.
Here is a wondrous feast! Three parties are regaled. O my soul, you too are called. The Gospel-banquet has an open door. Each hungry soul may find a welcome seat.
1. God claims His share. All, which seems rich and precious, is first brought to Him. The holy fire reduces it to dust. It is the fuel of the raging blaze. Thus Jesus meets the fierceness of Jehovah's wrath. Thus every attribute is as filled as an overflowing cup. Justice exacts its dues. Anger, and righteous vengeance, and pledged truth have large demands. But are they not content, when they have reveled at this costly table? God's name is honored in a God-man slain! and heaven takes up a hymn of peace. Reader, in faith place Christ between God and your sins, and then, live, rejoice, work, die in the sweet knowledge, that God's scales are full.
2. Provision is then made for those who ministered. The altar-servant never lacks. They, who leave all for God, have all in God. Zeal in His cause is richest gain. The Lord is never debtor unto man. Strength spent for Him is strength recruited with the best supplies. Toil in His vineyard is the wealth of wealth. His service is a golden mine. It is a field, where harvests always wave. Each happy workman finds his wages in his work.
But mark what constitutes the priestly food. It is part of the self-same victim, in which God delights. The dying Jesus regales heaven. The dying Jesus regales earth. But the refreshment mainly cheers the pastor's heart. Here, then, we clearly learn, that ministers derive their health—their vigor—their success, from the grand truth of peace through Christ. Those cannot work with zeal—with unction—and with fervent love, who have not tasted this substantial feast. Knowledge of reconciling grace is the grand pulpit-power. It warns the heart. It girds the loins. It arms with courage, which no difficulties check. It brings an energy, which cannot flag.
You Ministers, live at this table. Rejoice in the victim, who slays wrath, and opens wide the gates of peace. And then strong in the Lord, and tranquil in His love, go toil, strive, pray, until thronging numbers crowd the banquet-house, where Christ is All.
3. The offerer then takes his part and eats. Here is a teaching fact. We see the essence of true faith. It finds soul sustenance in Jesus' work. Light in the head will not give peace. Lips may be fluent to depict Christ's praise, while all within is death. The outward handling of truth lulls not the conscience-fears. More is required. Christ to be peace must be received within. The hungry soul must draw sweet juices from the dying Lamb! Wretched are they, who mourn, and pine, and starve, when such supplies are near!
A solemn warning is adjoined. The legally unclean might not partake. Lev. 7:20. Impurity excluded from the table of peace. Means are provided to cleanse stains. But means neglected, raise exclusion's bar. They are cast out, who seek the wedding with no wedding-robe. Mat. 22:13.
Reader, this precept loudly testifies, that none taste peace, who wilfully offend. Sin willingly retained must plunge into a troubled sea. Can Israel prosper, while accursed goods are hidden? Can he gain health, who lingers in infected air? Shall he, who sows the whirlwind, reap a calm? The path of evil leads from peace. The love of evil hides God's smile.
But the believer hourly mourns, that sad corruption follows him as his shadow. He loathes iniquity, but still its roots are deep, and constant outbreaks prove its life. His thoughts, his words, his works fly, as vile broods of vipers from a vile nest. May he not venture to the Peace offering feast, while this indwelling evil is his plague? The ordinance foresees the case; and thus provides. Unleavened cakes must fill the offerer's hand. Lev. 7:12. This leaven is the emblem of the tainting principle. Its presence teaches, that sinners may draw near, although the hated trouble be not dead.
Reader, if you have any light from heaven, you see poor nature's proneness to transgress. While flesh is flesh, its tendencies are base. This malady should not obstruct your way to peace. No, let it prompt you to more vigorous effort. When the wolf prowls, the lambs leave not the fold. Your restless foe should drive you to the fort of peace.
We next are told what special motives prompted the Peace offering. They were two-fold; a sense of gratitude for mercies past, and a desire to bind the heart by vow. Lev. 7:12, 16. He, who would praise—he, who would vow, thus sought the altar. Here are spiritual dealings, which cannot be performed, until the soul knows peace with God. These are plants, which only bloom in reconciliation's sunshine. These are barks, which only glide on tranquil waves.
Believer, let not this teaching be in vain. There is no moment, when the inner man should not flow forth in boundless streams of praise. Count—but the number baffles thought—count, if you can, the crowning mercies, which fill high your cup. Each MERCY should awaken songs of love.
Next, weigh your mighty DEBTS to God. He ever lives, pouring His blessings on your head. Each binds you to devote your all to His one service. His throne should ever hear your self-surrendering vows.
But mark, you cannot praise nor vow apart from peace in Christ. These are the acts of an accepted child. This is free converse with a reconciled Father. Praise only lives, where peace abounds. He only consecrates himself, who fears no wrath. You must draw near in Christ, or you can never serve.
When the Peace offering came, as token of thanksgiving, it must be eaten before the morning's light. When it bore witness to a voluntary vow, the rule was still the same. The feast must be without delay. No remnant on the third day might be touched. Lev. 7:15, 16. Who can hear this, and not discern the tenderness of grace? God would not leave one moment's space between the cross and peace. The Gospel-cry is, Rejoice, Rejoice. Why tarry? Why linger? Why hesitate? What mean those miserable doubts? Why such trembling and reluctant steps? God spreads a feast of peace, and bids His guests sit down to instant joy!
Believer, hasten to obey. Today, this hour, receive the gladness of the offered blessing. There is some lurking pride—some seeds of unbelief in slow acceptance of this gracious boon.
Reader, this offering was ordained "to guide your feet into the way of peace." Come then to the banner of the Prince of Peace. Is not His kingdom peace above, within, around, forever? The Spirit cries, "Of the increase of His government and peace, there shall be no end." Is. 9:7. Hear, and the Lord of Peace Himself will give you peace, always, by all means. 2 Thess. 3:16.
The Sin Offering
"He must bring to the Lord a young bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed." Leviticus 4:3
SIN!
The sound is brief—but it presents a dark abyss of thought.
No mind can trace its birth.
No eye can see its death.
Before the worlds it scaled the heavens, and dragged angels down.
In life's first dawn it entered Eden and slew innocence.
It ends not with the end of time.
It ever rolls on in its ever-deepening course.
Reader, think much of sin!
It is earth's death-blow.
It marred the beauty of a beauteous world, and stripped it of its lovely robe.
It caused the soil to harden, and the leaves to wither and decay.
It turned fertility into weeds, and armed the brier with its bristling thorns.
It made the clouds to blacken, and the storm to rage.
It raised the tempest's roar, and plumed the lightning with its forked wings.
It placed its foot upon a perfect workmanship, and left it a disordered wreck.
Reader, think much of sin!
It is man's ruin.
Its most tremendous blight fell on our inner life.
It drove the soul from peaceful fellowship with God.
It changed the loving child into a hardened rebel.
It robbed the mind of light.
It rendered reason a bewildered maze.
It made the heart . . .
a nest of unclean birds;
a spring of impure streams;
a whirlpool of tumultuous passions;
a hot-bed of ungodly lusts;
a den of God-defying schemes.
It is the malady—the misery—the shame of our whole race!
It is the spring of every tear!
Each sigh which rends the bosom;
each frown which ploughs the brow;
each pain which racks the limbs—are cradled in its arms.
It is the mother of that mighty monster—death!
It digs each grave in every grave-yard.
Each widow and each orphan tastes its gall.
It fills each hospital with sick.
It strews the battlefield with slain.
It is the core in every grief.
It is the worm which gnaws the root of peace.
Reader, think much of sin!
Its terrible destructions do not die in the grave.
There is a region where its full-blown torments reign.
It built the prison-house of Hell.
It kindled quenchless flames.
It forged the chains which bind lost sinners to their burning beds.
It sharpened the undying sting of an upbraiding conscience.
It arms the jailer—Satan, with his scourge.
It bars the hopeless in that outer darkness, where . . .
weeping ever weeps,
and wailing ever wails,
and teeth forever gnash,
and all is woe, which knows no respite and no end.
Reader, think much of sin!
It works this bitter and eternal anguish, because God's curse attends it.
It raised a rebel-hand against His will.
It dared to violate His holy law.
It strove to lay His honor in the dust.
It trampled on the statute-book of heaven.
Therefore God's anger fiercely burns against it.
Hence every misery follows in its succession.
He must be wretched, who has God against him!
Reader, here is a picture in which all horrors meet.
Regard it with an earnest eye.
No fiction colors it.
No power can over-paint the terrible reality.
No artist's skill can represent a flame.
The dreadful truth exceeds description.
The lost writhe out eternity in fully learning the deserts of sin!
Reader, think much of sin!
These terrors are the best prelude to the tidings of the sin offering. Tears magnify the cross. The trembling heart is the best soil for seeds of peace. Hell seen beforehand, is hell escaped forever. Satan disclosed, is Satan baffled.
As the bright sun behind a threatening cloud, the sin offering waits to change the frightful aspect of sin. At Sinai's base this rite steps forth to show the reconciling work of grace.
Reader, receive the soul-reviving voice: Though sin is death, the sinner need not die.
There is a fortress of escape.
There is a remedy to heal these wounds.
What though your sins are countless as the sands? They all may disappear.
What though the dye of each be double crimson? Each may be washed away.
The filth may all be cleansed.
The debts may be wiped out.
The soul may meet Jehovah's eye without one stain.
There is a way, by which the vilest may stand pure.
This is the blessed and the wondrous truth, which the Sin offering proclaims.—God's love decreed a plan. He willed a ransom, and His Son achieved it. Let us draw nearer to the amazing sight!
When God would save—justice, and truth, and holiness proposed tremendous terms. Each sin must bear its merited load of woe. Each curse must be endured. Each violation of the holy law must drink the dregs of condemnation.
Jesus comes forth to help!
The guiltless One takes the guilty place.
The God-man represents His chosen flock.
He stands as their complete sin-offering.
He pays in anguish and in blood, their every due.
Their wrath is endured.
Their penalties are paid.
Their sufferings are suffered.
Their agonies are agonized.
The work requires infinity of woe. Infinity of woe is borne by Him.
His Deity enables—His manhood qualifies.
Thus their sin is fully punished—thus the redeemed are fully saved!
Such are the tidings of the Sin offering. Say, is not this the truth of truths? All minds should ponder it. All hearts should welcome it. All eyes should gaze upon it. All hands should grasp it. All lips should praise it. Parents should teach it. Children should learn it. Pulpits should echo it. The cottage—the sick chamber—the dying bed, should brighten with this light. It should be the stable center of the soul—the joy of social converse—the bond of Christian fellowship. Men should walk up and down in the full freedom of redemption's plains.
Until by the Spirit's aid, the eye of faith discerns a substituted sufferer, the conscience has no peace; the Bible is a locked-up page; life has no steady compass; death has no pillow of assured repose.
Reader, is this truth, the light—the feast—the joy—the strength—the rapture of your soul? Does morning wake you to bring this offering to the Mercy-seat? Do you go forth with your hands resting on its head? Do you lie down with the blood sprinkled on the day's misdeeds? It should be so. In every way God sets this sacrifice before you. Christ knocks for entrance at the sinner's heart. The Spirit joys to show the God-appointed victim.
And now in these poor lines another message craves attention. Come mark, then, how the Sin offering in every part proves sin to be a vanquished foe.
There are indeed some grades of difference in this type, as rank or as offence might differ. The first example will illustrate all. The offender is the anointed Priest. Lev. 4:3. Sin has allured—ensnared—defiled him. But now he sees his guilt. He cannot rest until pardon be obtained. God's voice directs his course. He must bring a young unblemished bull to the tabernacle-door. Behold the proof, that God has found a ransom. This is an idle and an empty rite, unless it shows the victim of God's choice. This is but mockery, except it witnesses, that help is laid on the redeeming Jesus.
The type is clear. It ushers in the Gospel antitype. Atonement is indeed provided. We are not left to hopelessness, or human schemes. Sins are our own. The remedy is His.
A SOLEMN ACT is next enjoined. The offender's hands must be laid on the victim's head. This sign too, has no meaning, unless it bids the sin-lost to transmit their guilt. Without such a meaning, it is a puzzling and deceiving shadow. But God gives not an ordinance in vain. He thus consents, that sin should pass to the Sin offering. He thus instructs the heavy-laden to roll all on Christ.
Reader, if sin be found adhering to yourself—if it should weigh you into nether-hell—it is not, because the chain cannot be broken—it is not, because Christ refuses to receive—it is not, because you never heard of transfer. It is, because you care not for relief. It is, because self-will retains the mass of sin.
The substitute is then slain. Lev. 4:4. Sin must have death. The curse must fall. God pardons not by bidding anger to hold back. His hatred must be shown—His majesty must be maintained—His truth must be preserved. Pardons indeed abound. They freely and they gladly fly. But all proceed along a blood-stained path.
Believer, your sins slew Christ. They cannot now slay you. His death is yours. Therefore you live. God's smile is on you, not because your sins are none, but because each has died in Christ.
The precious rite continues to unfold the Savior's worth. It shows THREE USES OF THE OUTPOURED BLOOD.
1. The veil is sprinkled seven times. Lev. 4:6. This veil hung in front of the Mercy-seat. It was the entrance to the holiest place. The truth is manifest. They, who would enter into heaven, must plead blood shed.
Reader, the blood, which flowed at Calvary, still flows within your reach. Take it by faith, and mount the holy heights. You may have heaven, as your eternal home. Your sins are no insuperable bar. Without one doubt, present the price. The gates will lift their heads. The everlasting portals will fly back.
2. Part dyed the golden-altar's horns. Lev. 4:7. This was the place where incense rose, as emblem of ascending prayer. Christ's intercession is Salvation's crown. But it prevails, because its plea is blood. The wounded hands cannot be stretched in vain. Who, also, are they, who thrive most in the growth of grace, and work most boldly in the Savior's cause? They, whose incessant prayers most sweetly savor of the dying Lamb. The bleeding cross is supplication's strength.
3. The brazen-altar drank the rest. Lev. 4:7. Thus all is used to bring assurance to the anxious heart. Each drop subserves its part. Atonement needs the whole. The whole is given.
Reader, behold each altar reeking with this stream of blood, and doubt not, that God's claims are satisfied.
This is not all. No effort is untried to deepen peace. Hence we see more than the sin offering's death. Other rites follow. Let them be marked. The costliest parts are piled upon the burning altar. Lev. 4:10. The angry fire receives them, as its prey. It burns—it blazes, until all disappears. Thus wrathful fury seized the soul of Jesus. All torments dealt most fiercely with Him. He suffered, until eternal vengeance asked no more.
Reader, if you are one with Christ, hell-pains are past for you. If you are not, they still remain. Alas! how shall you bear them!
Again, this is not all. The curse is linked to sin. A perfect sin offering, then, must be abhorred, as an accursed thing. Abomination must pursue it. Turn now to the type. The remnant of the victim, vile and contemned, is borne outside the camp. Lev. 4:12. It is spurned, as hateful to the sight and touch. A pile of wood is raised. Again the fire is brought, and burning work does its part. Here is clear emblem of Christ made curse for us. The garden misery showed anger wrestling with His soul. But further anguish presses in the rear. He is led out beyond the gate. The city loathes Him, as earth's refuse.
He hangs conspicuously a curse for sin. Here the last vengeance falls. Blessed are they, whose curse descends on the Savior's cross.
Reader, in pity to your soul, flee to the Sin offering. Make Christ by faith your own. When fears affright—when Satan claims—when death draws near—when the great judgement throne is set—place Him—your shield—before God's wrath. They cannot fail, who thus make Him their All.
The Guilt Offering
"When a person commits a violation and sins unintentionally in regard to any of the Lord's holy things, he is to bring to the Lord as a penalty a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value in silver, according to the sanctuary shekel. It is a guilt offering. He must make restitution for what he has failed to do in regard to the holy things, add a fifth of the value to that and give it all to the priest, who will make atonement for him with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven." Leviticus 5:15-16
Sin is a monster which has many forms! Each form has many hands. Each hand deals wounds. Each wound is death. It touches to destroy. But for each wound help is prepared. Jesus appears omnipotent to heal.
This is the truth, which Eden heard; which types displayed; which prophets sang; which cheered the saints of old; which martyrs sealed with blood; which faithful pastors still proclaim. This is the truth, which Satan hates; which infidelity derides; which worldlings tread beneath contemptuous feet. But it lives throughout the Bible-page; and will live forever—the joy of heaven and the rage of hell. This is the prospect, to which the Guilt offering calls. It shows a pillar with a two-fold front. One indeed sternly asks for penalty. But the other brightens with atonement made.
Reader, the verses, which here meet your eye, state the first case of Guilt offering. It will suffice to ponder this. The other instances in name may vary, but in principle are one.
A soul commits a trespass, and sins through ignorance in holy things. God's law is thus infringed—His will transgressed. The rewards of heaven are withheld. Such are the features of offence.
Can unintentional sins be but trifles? Shall no wrath arise? Shall deeds unholy cause no holy frown? This cannot be. Iniquity is hated by our God. Can he be clean who loathes not filth? Can he be pure, who shrinks not from impurity? Would not God's throne be tarnished, if sin be not condemned?
Let this ordinance be heard. First, the Guilt offering unveils God's wrath. Offence is dealt with terribly. The trespasser must seek the altar with a ram. The victim must lay down his life. The blood must flow. The costliest parts must be the food of flames. Where trespass has been, death must flow. So speaks this witness, with no faltering voice.
Is the question asked, why is the life thus taken? What means such a sacrifice, terrible in death and gore. The answer loudly thunders, Trespass brings death! No soul can sin and live. Such is the language of this solemn rite. Let all, who hear take heed.
Ignorance of this truth is the dark veil, which blinds our race. It is the downward path, which slopes to hell. Alas! how few believe, that all the streams of trespass flow to ruin's gulf.
Survey the giddy crowds, who throng earth's path. The mirth—the levity—the godless words—the silly unconcern, prove, that they little know the peril of their state. The current of their thoughts—the bias of their being—the channel of their words and works, widely transgress the law's strict rule, and still they sport, as moths around a flame. They fall to sleep, as Sisera in Jael's tent. Judges 4:21. They take the dainties from a treacherous hand, but neither see the hammer nor the nails. Like Amasa, they seek a friend's embrace; but heed not the sword which Joab holds. 2 Sam. 20:10. Thus multitudes unconsciously are slain.
But this rite specially condemns transgression in God's holy things. Alas! this is a frequent case. Many sacrilegiously invent a religion of their own conceit. God plainly speaks from His high throne. He states His will. He shows the only path to heaven. But man's indifference refuses to be taught. He pursues the light, which erring reason kindles. He chooses the rags of sinful human nature, rather than the Gospel-robe. But none reach heaven by such Babel-steps. This trespass cloaked in a fair guise, allures a Cain-like crowd. But it is trespass, and it slays the soul.
Some would buy heaven by the price of 'religious forms'. They bring the offering of 'external rites' duly kept. They diligently tread the 'ceremonial round'. They never doubt, that 'ritual strictness' will secure the crown.
Reader, take heed of error here. Truth is a narrow line. Men easily diverge. On either side there is a foul descent. In Satan's creed there are opposing falsehoods. One lowers 'forms' to dust. The other raises them to saving worth. He cares not which delusion is embraced. But each delusion is soul-peril. Forms are not nothing. They are ordained of God. They feed the soul. They fan the flame of faith. Their due observance proves the inward life. This is their Scripture-place.
But means will never cleanse one sin. They have no strength to hold back vengeance. Woe then is theirs, who use them as their only plea, and clasp them, as their only hope. Would that each eye discerned this snare! Would that each pulpit gave a warning note! This error only lives in dens of ignorance. It cannot breathe when dragged to light. But it is sin. Therefore it is death. The Gospel slighted, leaves no hope.
But when heaven's rays in mercy dissipate these mists—when error, as a murderer, is seen—then the deep sigh is heard, "Is there no remedy—no refuge—no escape? Must everlasting vengeance seize me as its prey?"
Now view the Trespass offering again. While faith beholds, a saving gleam breaks forth. A dying victim comes. A substituted life is taken. Another suffers in the offender's place. Pardon is granted through a proxy's blood.
Believer, here is the picture, in which faith delights. A Guilt offering is prepared in Christ. He is made all your sin. He drinks your every drop of woe. Amazing grace! Astounding love! This is God's way to save. This is the song of all the saved—the joy of all, who really joy—the hope of all, who have true hope. This is the fact, which conquers death, and tramples on the grave, and gives enduring peace, and furnishes resistless pleas, and satisfies each attribute of God, and crowns Jehovah with His brightest crown. Look clearly at this ordinance. The Guilt offering bleeds, and guilt is forgiven. So Jesus dies, and His whole family is saved. It is a heaven-taught challenge, "Who can lay anything to the charge of God's elect?" It is a heaven-brought answer, "It is God who justifies." The Spirit prompts the question, "Who is He, that condemns?" The same voice sounds the triumph-note, "It is Christ who died." Each Guilt offering shouts aloud this truth.
This cup of grace is not exhausted yet. The sinner's need is a vast varied field. No single image can depict its breadth. But Jesus's work completely covers all. His life is laid down as guilt expiation. But death alone crowns not salvation's pyramid. More is required. More is performed by Christ. More is pre-figured here. The value of the trespass must be reckoned. Scales must be brought. The offender must pay down the estimated cost according to the sanctuary's weight. Further addition of a fifth part must be made. Equivalent will not suffice. Excess is superfluous. Lev. 5:16. This rule sets guilt in a clearer light. Death is entailed—that is the misery. Debt is incurred—that is the penalty and shame.
We thus are taught, that sin defrauds God. Creation's law makes us His sole possession. No faculty of mind or frame—no power of intellect or thought—no talent of influence or time—no opportunity—no gift—no grace, is property of our own. All then should serve the cause of the one sovereign Lord. Reason should plan, and eyes should see, and hands should work, and feet should run, to do Him honor and augment His praise. Our every energy should fly abroad with morning light, to gather fruits of glory for His name. Each night should prove, that faith and love have labored to advance His kingdom upon earth.
But is it so? What is the witness of each hour? Alas! SELF mounts the great Creator's throne. We rise, we enter on the day, we journey on, as if self-seeking were legitimate employ. Whether we rest or toil it is unto ourselves. Is not this trespass? Such is its lightest name. It robs our God. It wastes His remuneration. Reader, this is a solemn thought. It fixes on our souls the blackest dye of wrong. It brands us, as purloining from a Father's and a Benefactor's treasury!
Some perhaps may ask, "can no amends be made? Can no devotedness repay?" That is a vain conceit. If not one thought of any moment ever swerved from a pure effort for the Lord, it would but be, that moment's due. Surplus of merit is the papist's dream. But our best acts are only increase of our debt. Hence all our works make bankruptcy more deep. When justice calls to the white throne, the fairest reckoning is one huge debt. Who then can stay arrest?
Here the true Guilt offering again presents relief. Jesus is salvation to the full. Hence death for sin is not the whole of his grand work. This decks us with no merit. It fills no hands with fruits of righteousness. He must also pay a whole life's homage to the Law. He gives compliance to its largest rule. It asked for one undeviating course of love. Jesus was love without one straying step.
Reader, if you are Christ's, this pure fulfillment of the Law is for you. For you Christ wrought it. To your account He puts it. Ponder its wondrous worth. Since Christ is God, Deity embodies all His acts. When He obeys, it is Divine obedience. Unsullied righteousness is sought from man. The righteousness cast over him is the righteousness of God.
The Guilt-offerer added a surplus. But who can weigh the surplus, which Christ brings? Jesus piles the scales, until God can give, and God can take no more.
Such is the Gospel, which pervades this rite. It is clear, and full, and rich, and precious, and divine. Reader, it comes to you this day. It deals most lovingly, most closely with you. It tells you in emphatic terms, that sin and guilt stain your heart, your soul, your mind, your life, your every day, your every hour. It warns, that every trespass strengthens Satan's claims, and fans the flames of hell. It strips off every self-framed hope. It places a vast barrier between you and God.
But next it sweetly shows a full recovery. Christ's cross and life are pictured in the brightest hues. You see Him dying to pay the guilt-penalty. You see His righteousness supplying guilt-wrongs. He tenderly persuades, "only believe, and take My overflowing cup of merit. Come, cling by faith to Me, and all your trespasses are buried in My wounds—and all your guilt is covered by My robe—Come, and by faith be one with Me—here is full pardon—no charge against you can be found—here is full beauty—no speck of filth remains. Here is My cross—your all-sufficient expiation. Here is My surplus payment—as your wealth."
Reader, what answer do you give? Can you reject the only Guilt offering?
The Accepted Offering
"Fire blazed forth from the Lord's presence and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When the people saw all this, they shouted with joy and fell face down on the ground." Leviticus 9:24
A train of solemn rites preceded the priests' admission to their functions. The entrance-path was long and holy. None might draw near uncalled—uncleansed—without atonement made through blood—without the sprinklings of anointing oil. Lev. 8:6, 24, 30.
Through a whole week the victims died, and consecrating services flowed on. During these days the sacred tent enclosed the devoted band. They might not pass its separating gate. The world was left. A barrier parted them from common life. They dwelt shut out from man—shut in with God. Lev. 8:33.
Here is a teaching voice for all, who boast, that they are Christ's. The priestly office shadows out their calling. They have a high employ. Their rank is "royal priesthood." 1 Pet. 2:9. They have new natures, and they do new work. All in God's household minister.
Reader, have you approached by rightful steps the servant's place? The path is here marked out. Is the blood used as your atoning plea? Is there the Spirit's inward witness of adoption to the family of grace? Is the world shunned, as mire? Is life regarded, as a dedicated walk? They, who are truly called, pass this admission-gate.
In heaven a perfect priesthood serves in perfect praise. But consecration here is prelude to that bliss. Say, have you more than empty name? God's service is reality. Is your heart really His? Perhaps you doubt. Oh! then awake and strive to enter by the only door. Space is yet yours. But it is on the wing. It may be almost sped. Alas the woe, if death shall find you not a priest of Christ! Are your signs clear? All, who serve Him, wear livery—washed in his blood—bright in world-shunning grace.
The seven days of dedication passed. The eighth dawn saw the services complete. Lev. 9:1. There is no more delay. The holy office is assumed. The life is now one cloud of incense to the Lord. From morn to night the willing priests discharge foreshadowing forms.
Ministers of Christ, your work may differ, but should your zeal be less? Altars no more are raised. All vanished in the cross. Victims no longer die. No lights are lighted, and no incense burns. The Sun of Righteousness is risen. Twilight ordinances fled from its glorious orb. But still wide fields of labor open. Your life is to proclaim the Lamb of God—the blood once and forever shed. Souls are undone, because they know not Christ—the true end of rites. Your voice must never cease the cry. Behold the truth—bathe in this stream—trust in this death—plead this atoning cross. Shame would it be, if legal priests relaxed not typifying work, and your hands wearied in uplifting the grand substance—Christ.
In this first day of priestly work, a striking circumstance occurs. When all the offerings had been duly made, Moses and Aaron seek the holy tent. Lev. 9:23. For a short season they retire. They leave the busy scene. It is their wish in stillness to seek God's clearer face. He was before them in the public rite. But calm retreat would give more calm approach.
The true believer labors in the open day. In busy haunts of busy men he strains the toiling nerve. The world is the wide field. There are the precious souls, which need the wholesome warning and the faithful word. There sin abounds; and misery dwells; and ignorance spreads its blinding veil. There Satan rules with deathful sway. In this wild waste the good seed must be cast. In graceless crowds grace must be manfully displayed. But private hours gain strength for public zeal. When all is still the opening heavens pour down their dew.
In quietude the soul draws nearer to Christ's arms. Then tender whispers testify of love. Then truth unfolds the wondrous page; and promises assume substantial form; and distant prospects brighten to the view. It is apart from men that grace takes deeper root; temptations wither; the world's false glitter fades; the inner man is strengthened to resist and loins are girded for the battle field. The soldier of the cross goes forth from solitude to fight his fight. He, who seeks God alone, has God in public by his side.
Moses and Aaron soon return. But they come not with empty hands—they are enriched with the best gifts. Here is sweet evidence of gainful commerce with the Lord. Laden with good, they haste to scatter good around. Their souls are redolent of heaven. "They blessed the people." Lev. 9:23.
The blessed of the Lord bless earth. And they are the most blessed, who most throng the mercy seat. The wise, the rich, the learned, and the strong, are tools employed by God to move the world's machine. But it is piety, which strews real weal, on men. They, who descend from Zion's heights, are, as the clouds, which drop refreshing rain.
And now a sudden marvel fills all minds with awe. While blessings fall from blessing saints, heaven brightens with resplendent signs. Glory shines round. Fire is sent forth. But why? Is it to seize the guilty sons of men? Is it to hurl on them deserved wrath? Far otherwise. It comes with olive branch of peace. It seals with heaven's own seal the atoning rites. It settles on the altar. It feeds on the victim, as its feast. Thus it brings evidence of God's delight. Thus it fills hearts with tranquil peace. The flame with blazing tongue proclaims, here is the sacrifice, which God selects—approves—calls men to bring—and never will refuse.
Reader, this is the fact which now addresses you. The altar-victims were the shade of Christ. The attesting fire speaks God's acceptance of His dying Son. Faith, therefore, loves this scene. It is one of the wells, from which it gladly draws new joy. It is one of the meadows of its richest food.
But faith soon asks, what is the antitype of the descending flame? It opens the clear Gospel-page. There distinct testimonies answer to this approving sign. Let some now pass before delighted gaze.
The mighty God has scarcely taken human frame, when heralds speed from the high courts. An angel's shout announces tidings of transcendent joy—a Savior given—a Savior born—a Savior in man's home. The host of heaven take up the wondrous strain. The echoing skies cast back the chorus—"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men." Luke 2:14.
Reader, the sealing fire here falls. Can evidence be more complete? Here is the assurance, that the infant lives, sent by the Father to save souls. It must be so, or why do those joyful wings expand? It must be so—that messenger cannot mislead. Then venture on the Incarnate God. Commit your soul to Him. You may appeal to God—I take Him, because Your signet stamps Him, as Your chosen Lamb.
The day arrives, when Christ must be distinctly shown. As surety of His flock, He must fulfill each righteous ordinance. Therefore He hastens to the baptismal stream. Let all eyes now behold. While He uplifts His soul in prayer, the heavens above cast back their gates. The Spirit, like a dove, flies to the lowly suppliant, and the Father's sovereign voice is heard, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Luke 3:21, 22. The fire again descends. Oh precious token! The Father and the Spirit join to seal and to anoint our Lord.
Rich in the mercy of this pledge. The thought will sometimes rise, Is Christ indeed sufficient? Sins are a mighty load. Can He sustain them? The claims of justice are a long roll. Can He pay all? The Father's voice decides. It leaves no spot, on which a tottering doubt can rest. He cries, "well-pleased."
Reader, and will not you respond, "well-pleased?" Receive Him with adoring love. Cling to Him with most holy rapture. In Him you cannot fail. In Him you must prevail. He is Salvation by the Father's will—the Father's word. Cleaving to Him, you cannot be cast out. He is the Father's chief joy. And seen in Him, the Father loves you, as He loves His Son.
As time rolls on, select disciples view a wondrous sight. Jesus withdraws the veil, which hides His glory. He stands before them in more than brightness of the mid-day sun. His visage and His robes outvie all light. Here is full proof, that Deity is His right—Jesus transfigured must be very God. But now a super-added testimony sounds. The fire again descends. The Father again speaks. The note is still the same, "This is my beloved Son."
My soul, here is another call to you. Take Christ as your beloved one. Haste to respond—Great Lord, each inmost fiber is pure love to You. Each pulse is an adoring throb.—The voice adjoins, "Hear Him." Heed the wise counsel. He, whom the Father thus attests, is worthy of all notice of all ears. Happy, thrice happy he, who can reply, I hear the good Shepherd's voice. I gladly follow. He leads me to His wounds; and I am clean. He calls me to His side, and whispers peace. He bids me climb a heavenward path. He soon will seat me by His side.
Reader, approach the bitter garden scene. Here all the waves of anguish beat on the Redeemer's soul. His every look and every cry make known, that He is wrestling with extremest pangs. Each pore weeps blood. But whence this overwhelming grief? The hour is still. The place is deep retreat. No hostile bands appear. None but His loved-ones are in view. It is an unseen arm, which now arrests Him. The sword of hidden wrath now really pierces to the quick. The fire from God's right hand now truly falls, and fiercely deals with the self-offered Lamb. Each inward travail shows, that God is now exacting debts from Him, until the boundless price is paid. My soul intently gaze. You see wrath visibly outpoured on Christ. Then be content—the cup is drained. No drop remains for you.
Another scene is near. The death is died. The grave contains its precious captive. The stone is rolled. The seal is fixed. The guard is set. The hand of justice has borne Jesus off. The prison gates are closed. Where are our hopes?
Are claims all satisfied? Will God declare, that He demands no more? Will there be manifested proof, that all His people are redeemed? Draw near and witness. The grave restores the mighty dead. Jesus appears released—alive. Here the fire of satisfaction falls. The topstone of acceptance is brought forth. The pyramid of God's approval is complete. Christ is accredited, as the full Savior of the fully saved.
When Israel's host beheld the fire from God, what was their feeling? "They shouted and fell on their faces." Lev. 9:24. Sweet joy was theirs. Deep adoration warmed each heart. Exulting praise burst forth. Profoundest worship was their instant act.
Believer, do the like. God sends His Son to seek—to save. He lays on Him your every sin. He gives you every pledge, that He approves—attests—receives—delights in the Accepted offering. Witness after witness from His courts assures, that pardon, acquittal, release from every woe, admission to the home of heaven, are y ours. Oh! then, let every breath praise God. Let every hour of every day be inward worship.
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From The Gospel in Leviticus by Henry Law