Numbers 28:1–31,
1 Corinthians 10:23–11:16,
Psalm 23:1–6
Imagine what it would do to life’s routines if God’s
people must offer lambs as a sacrifice for sin? Today’s OT reading starts out with
a short list of a few sacrifices that were required back in the day.
“The Lord told Moses, ‘Command the people of Israel and say to
them, My offering, my food for my food offerings, my pleasing aroma, you shall
be careful to offer to me at its appointed time. And you shall say to them, this
is the food offering that you shall offer to the Lord: two male lambs a year old without blemish, day by day,
as a regular offering. The one lamb you shall offer in the morning and the
other lamb you shall offer at twilight . . . .” (Numbers 28:1–4)
The sacrifice list goes on. I’ve looked for a list of just
those that were necessary, but not found it yet. It would be a long list and
even longer when specific sin meant slaying more animals, more blood. Yet the
NT is clear, all of this is but a shadow of the reality to come. In faith, the
OT people of faith offered lambs, looking forward to the Lamb who would take
away the sin of the world.
The book of Hebrews explains it well: “For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to
come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same
sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw
near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the
worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness
of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it
is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:1–4)
Instead of putting lambs on an altar for sin, it was the
will of God to put His Son on a Cross, “And by that
will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once
for all . . . For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who
are being sanctified.” (Hebrews
10:10; 14)
The sacrifice of Christ changed everything. Sin is atoned
for, forgiven, forever. But even more, because of the death and the
resurrection of Jesus Christ, all who believe are changed. We are given new
life, His life, and because of that new life, we have assurance of our eternal
destiny and are able to concentrate on a higher calling . . .
“So, whether you eat or drink,
or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to
Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything
I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.”
(1 Corinthians 10:31–33)
Because “the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He
restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1–3) My life is in
His hands. I can speak to Him with utter confidence . . . “You prepare a table before me in the presence
of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness
and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the
house of the Lord forever.”
(Psalm 23:5–6)
No need to sacrifice any lambs. No need to be concerned
about what happens when I die. No need to be anxious about anything. I have a
Shepherd who fulfilled all of the requirements of the Law, who set me aside and
gave me eternal life, and who takes care of all my needs.
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