Sermons

Intro: Good Morning Discovery Church. Today, we’re plunging into a topic that might seem a bit ancient, maybe even a touch arcane—burnt offerings. Yes, you heard me right, burnt offerings! You might be thinking, "Gerry, we don’t have altars in our backyards, and we’re not exactly heading to the local butcher to find a priest." But friends, there’s a treasure trove of wisdom here, a depth of meaning that beckons us to explore.

From the dawn of time, the concept of sacrifice has been woven into the fabric of our faith. From the earliest Old Testament rituals to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, it’s always been about giving something valuable to God. As we gear up for our church BBQ later today, let’s uncover the rich lessons these ancient practices can teach us about our commitment to God. Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey back in time!

1. Understanding the Cost of Old Testament Sacrifices

Picture this: The Israelite farmer squinted through the dust, his calloused hand tracing the ridges of each bull's back, searching for the slightest blemish. The low moos of the cattle mingled with the rhythmic pounding of hammers shaping the Tabernacle in the distance. Here, amidst the bustle of the camp, he sought an offering worthy of the Lord.

Finally, his eyes landed on a magnificent creature. Muscles rippled beneath the bull's sleek, auburn coat, a testament to years spent tilling the unforgiving earth. This wasn't just any bull; it was the cream of the crop, the embodiment of the farmer's livelihood, his sweat and tears made flesh. Yet, with a heavy heart but a resolute spirit, he knew this was the one.

The air crackled with anticipation as he led the chosen bull through the throng of dusty pilgrims towards the imposing entrance of the tent of meeting. As flames roared on the sacrificial altar, he laid his hand, trembling slightly, on the bull's smooth forehead. The weight of the sacrifice settled heavily upon him, a tangible expression of his dependence on God's forgiveness.

The Hebrew word for offering, "korban," means "to draw near." This wasn't a casual ritual; it was a profound act of worship and repentance. The entire animal was consumed by fire, the rising smoke carrying not just the offering, but also the farmer's hopes for forgiveness. Every act, from the laying of hands to the sprinkling of blood, was steeped in meaning. This meticulous obedience, outlined in the detailed instructions of Leviticus, wasn't about following rules for rules' sake. It was a reflection of the awe he held for God's holiness and a recognition of his own need for atonement.

By offering his most valuable possession, the farmer wasn't simply giving something up; he was demonstrating complete trust and reliance on God's providence. The sacrifice, consumed entirely by the flames, symbolized the complete dedication of his heart to the Almighty.

Let’s read Leviticus 1:1-9 together to see these instructions in their fullness.

Lev. 1:1-9 "Now the Lord called to Moses, and spoke to him from the tabernacle of meeting, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of the livestock—of the herd and of the flock. 3 ‘If his offering is a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish; he shall offer it of his own free will at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord. 4 Then he shall put his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. 5 He shall kill the bull before the Lord; and the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall bring the blood and sprinkle the blood all around on the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of meeting. 6 And he shall skin the burnt offering and cut it into its pieces. 7 The sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar, and lay the wood in order on the fire. 8 Then the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat in order on the wood that is on the fire upon the altar; 9 but he shall wash its entrails and its legs with water. And the priest shall burn all on the altar as a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord."

Can you see it? It’s a scene of dedication, obedience, and worship. In our context, this would be akin to giving something incredibly valuable, something we’ve worked hard for and cherish deeply.

Now, leap forward with me to the New Testament. Hebrews 10:1-14 reveals that these Old Testament sacrifices were mere shadows of what was to come. The blood of bulls and goats could never fully take away sins. They pointed to...

2. Jesus: The Ultimate Fulfillment of Sacrifice

Jesus, our perfect, unblemished sacrifice, offered Himself once for all. His death on the cross fulfilled every requirement of the law. He did what we could never do on our own. He bridged the chasm between us and God, paying the ultimate price for our sins. His sacrifice was complete, perfect, and final.

Ephesians 5:2 "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."

Just as the burnt offerings in Leviticus were a pleasing aroma to the Lord, so was Jesus' sacrifice. It was the ultimate expression of love and devotion.

Think about the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice. The Old Testament sacrifices had to be repeated continually because they were insufficient. Each year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. But Jesus' sacrifice was once for all. His blood was not only sufficient but perfect, making continual sacrifices unnecessary.

This ultimate sacrifice speaks volumes about God's love and justice. The holiness of God demanded a perfect sacrifice for the atonement of sin. Jesus, being sinless, fulfilled that requirement, satisfying God’s justice while demonstrating His immense love for humanity. It’s a reminder that our salvation is not based on our merit but on Christ’s perfect obedience and sacrifice.

Hebrews 10:1-14 " For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. 5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,But a body You have prepared for Me.6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sinYou had no pleasure.7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—In the volume of the book it is written of Me—To do Your will, O God.’ ” 8 Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified."

To paint a picture, think of the many layers of security in a modern bank. Old Testament sacrifices were like those security layers—necessary, but not sufficient on their own. Jesus' sacrifice is like the ultimate master key, unlocking everything at once, making all the other layers unnecessary. His single act of obedience and love fulfilled everything required by the law.

So, what does this mean for us today? Are we supposed to bring livestock to church? Not quite. Romans 12:1-2 gives us the answer.

Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

3. Our Response: Living Sacrifices

This means our whole lives—every thought, action, and decision—should be dedicated to God. It means offering up our time, talents, and yes, even our finances, in service to Him. It’s about living in a way that reflects His love and grace to those around us.

The sacrificial system was costly, but so is true discipleship. Following Jesus means laying down our desires, our comforts, and sometimes our very lives for His sake. It’s not about what we can get, but what we can give.

Living sacrifices are about more than just avoiding sin. It’s about active engagement in God’s work. It’s about using our gifts and resources to further His kingdom. It’s about being intentional in our relationships, showing love and compassion, and being a light in a world that desperately needs it.

This concept of living sacrifice also calls us to continual renewal and transformation. Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is ongoing and requires us to daily surrender our will to God’s. It’s a process of sanctification, where we become more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, and character.

Imagine a potter with a piece of clay. The clay has to be continually shaped and molded to become a beautiful piece of art. We are that clay in God's hands, and being a living sacrifice means allowing Him to shape and mold us daily into His likeness.

4. Modern Sacrifices: Generosity and Service

Now, friends, let’s talk about our giving today. We often think a ten or twenty-dollar bill in the offering plate is a big deal, but let’s be honest—if we’re making $50,000 or more a year, is that really a sacrifice? Or is it more like a small token to make us feel better about ourselves? Let's get real for a moment.

In our modern world, money represents our time, our hard work, and our priorities. When we give generously and sacrificially, we’re participating in an act of worship that’s deeply meaningful.

2 Corinthians 9:7 "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."

Our giving should be joyful, reflecting the gratitude we have for what Christ has done for us.

But let’s dig deeper. Tithing, giving a full ten percent of our income, is a way to honor God with our first fruits. It’s not about the amount; it’s about the heart. It’s about recognizing that everything we have comes from Him and showing our trust in His provision. When we truly give sacrificially, it stretches us. It forces us to prioritize, to trust, and to depend on God.

Think about the Israelites bringing their best animals for sacrifice. They weren’t giving their leftovers; they were giving their best. In the same way, we’re called to give our best, not what’s left over after we’ve taken care of ourselves.

Let’s also consider the broader scope of sacrifice today. It’s not just about money. It’s about our time, our talents, and our service. Volunteering in the community, mentoring others, or simply being a friend to someone in need—these are all sacrifices that reflect our commitment to God.

Our sacrifices today should come from a place of love and gratitude. They are expressions of our worship and devotion to God. Whether it’s through financial giving, serving in the church, or helping those in need, our sacrifices are ways we can honor God and further His kingdom.

The essence of sacrifice lies in its costliness and the heart behind it. Just as the Israelites gave valuable livestock and crops, we are called to give what is valuable to us. This might be our time, our energy, our skills, or our resources. The key is to give with a willing and joyful heart, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and we are merely stewards.

Imagine you’re building a house. Every brick, every nail, every beam costs something. You wouldn’t use cheap materials or cut corners because you know the value of what you’re building. Our sacrifices are like those bricks and nails—each one an essential part of building the kingdom of God.

Conclusion

As we prepare to enjoy our BBQ together, let’s remember the profound lessons from the burnt offerings. They were valuable, costly, and given in complete dedication to God. Just as those ancient sacrifices pointed to Jesus, our ultimate sacrifice, our lives today should be living sacrifices—holy, pleasing, and dedicated to Him.

Let’s approach our time of fellowship with hearts full of gratitude and a renewed commitment to live sacrificially for the One who gave everything for us. May our lives be a pleasing aroma to the Lord, reflecting His love and grace in all we do.

As we gather around the grill, let the aroma remind us of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Let it prompt us to examine our own lives and consider how we can offer ourselves fully to God. Whether it’s through our words, our actions, or our giving, let us strive to live lives that are wholly dedicated to Him.

Let's Pray

Father, thank You for the ultimate sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to live as living sacrifices, fully dedicated to You. As we gather and share this meal, remind us of the cost of our salvation and inspire us to live generously and sacrificially. In Jesus’ name, amen.