Hebrews 8:3

Hebrews 8:3

Gifts and sacrifices

We need here, to establish the difference between gifts and sacrifices, especially in the context of the high priests. Gifts are voluntary, they always have been, they reflect the esteem the receiver holds in the mind of the offeror and also the love and affection that exists in their relationship. Gifts are, therefore, for our nearest and dearest or those for whom we feel a sense of gratitude and respect. Tithing is giving, and there were numerous other ways in which individuals could show their gratitude to the Lord God including offerings of grain, flour, oil and bread. Livestock was killed and the priests were allowed to keep part of these if the offering was a voluntary peace or fellowship offering.  Whilst the Levitical priests were not farmers or landowners, there is an inference that they too made offerings to the Lord to express their gratitude and devotion to Him. 

Sacrifices obviously are different, and all priests, including the high priests, must offer sacrifices to the Lord to cover unintentional sins (sin offerings) and also to make restitution for offences that carried a penalty. (Guilt offerings). Burnt offerings were also made to show devotion and submission to the Lord God. 

 Jesus was incredible in that He offered Himself, not just by way of a sacrificial life and death but because He covered the sins of all of the human race, forever. He had no possessions, He had no land or produce, all He had was Himself. That is why His sacrifice was the ultimate act of submission and obedience, and He offered everything He had to God not just for His own sake but for every one of us! And He did it willingly and gladly! Later in Hebrews we will muse over these words. “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2. What was the joy set before Him? It was the offspring that He would redeem, you and me. It was the eternal place that He would gain at God’s right hand. It was the knowledge that He could save His brothers and sisters and be the means of their eternal life. It was because He could liberate all those who were imprisoned by sin and the Satan. Every child who enters the Kingdom of heaven is a source of joy to Yeshua. This is why He carried through His Father’s plan, you and I are His reward, and He is ours! Hallelujah!

 

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