Present Yourself A Living Sacrifice - The Burnt Offering

The Burnt Offering provides many lessons for our perusal. First of all, the burnt offering was a voluntary offering. (Leviticus 1:3) It was not necessarily done in response to sin, although it could be added to the sin or trespass offering. It was something that demonstrates complete consecration. The whole of the offering was consumed. Interestingly enough the sacrifice was washed in water and set in order on the alter before it was consumed. (Leviticus 1:9, 13, 17) Here God was teaching us both that God is a God of order, but also that Cleanliness is important.

A Voluntary Offering

It is interesting that it is a voluntary offering. Thus teaching us that Christianity should not become a "doleful" thing. We often hear people talking about what is "salvific." What can I do and still get into heaven. We sometimes seek to do the minimal amount of things to get to heaven. However the burnt offering reminds us in the words of Andreasen that "Duty is a great word, but love is greater." (page 96). God will have a people who are not really looking for the minimal conditions to get a reward, but seek to follow the lamb withersoever he goest (Revelation 14:4). They are not seeking merely a reward, but communion with the most high.

Be the Sacrifice

This is why we are told to present our bodies a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). We are to do this voluntarily, we are to do this fully, and we are to open ourselves up to the cleansing that comes from both the fire and the water. Praise God for his acceptance of us.