---The
different type of sacrifices –bloody and bloodless–
that we find in the priesthood in the Old Covenant,
represent the perfection of Jesus Christ: his perfect
divinity, humanity, love, and fellowship with the Father.
They are, also, figure of our fellowship with God.
---In
the sacrifices and offerings of peace, there was a portion
reserved for the priest – the believers of today.
In the sacrifice of the holocaust, the animal offered
was burned completely, just as Jesus offered himself
completely to the Father. In this sacrifice, the priest
would not receive a portion. Yet, in the sacrifice of
peace, a portion was set aside for the priest.
---In
the same way, now that our sins have been atoned by
the sacrifice of Christ in the cross, we may enjoy of
the offering of peace-Christ himself. “For He
Himself is our peace … for through Him we both
have access by the Spirit to the Father” (Ef.
2:14, 18)
---The
portions given to the priest were the breast and the
thigh of the heave from the animal that was sacrificed.
The breast speaks to us about the love of Christ, of
his comfort in our trials and afflictions. The thigh
of the heave speaks to us about the strength of the
Lord that sustains us in our weaknesses.
---By
the blood that was shed on the cross, we were cleansed
of our sins and reconciled with the Father. Now, Christ
is our portion, our offering of peace, we may enjoy
him fully, and in Him, we may have fellowship with the
Father. This perfect fellowship is only possible if
we are walking in the light (1st Jn. 1:7).
---“If
we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”
(1st Jn. 1:9). Sins separates us from the fellowship,
it fogs up our sight of the presence of God. Even though
he continues to see us, our eyes are covered and are
not able to see him. But if we confess, there is forgiveness.
Confession implies judgment. Only then, the fellowship
with the Lord may be recuperated.
---“Besides
the cakes, as his offering he shall offer leavened bread
with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offering”
(Lv. 7:13). The leavened bread represents our sinful
nature that is still present. How great is the mercy
of the Lord, that even though we are in this condition,
he accepts our offering of peace! “But the person
who eats the flesh of the sacrifice of the peace offering
that belongs to the Lord, while he is unclean, that
person shall be cut off from his people” (Lv.
7:20).
---If
we walk in light, we can take God’s provisions.
The breast and the heave –Christ, our offering
of peace, his love, and strength– are at our disposition,
and our fellowship is truly with the Father, and his
son Jesus Christ.
(Translation:
Betsy Calvo, USA).
