Lesson 8

PEACE OFFERING 

Reading: Lev. 3, 7: 11-37

Memory verses: Eph. 2: 14-17

Theme: To experience the peace that Jesus Christ gives.

Introduction. Many kinds of conflicts are seen in the world. What is the reason? Conflict begins in the life of individuals and spreads into society. Therefore the solution to conflicts in society will come about if individuals enjoy peace. Individual must experience peace with God and then with fellow men. The peace offering was the shadow of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ which alone can provide peace to man abundantly.

 SACRIFICIAL ANIMAL 

A blemishless animal from among cattle or sheep can be offered as a peace offering. It is different from burnt offering in one aspect that the animal can either be male or female. Each animal (Bullock, goat, sheep) point to a particular character of Jesus Christ as we have already learned.  Although God is pleased and His righteousness is fulfilled through peace offering also, the emphasis there is on the worshiper. His infirmity or weakness is acknowledged in the female animal which may also be offered as a peace offering.

METHOD OF OFFERING

The worshipper brings the animal to the entrance of the tabernacle and places his hand on its head. The animal is then killed and the priest sprinkles its blood on the altar, Its fat and kidneys are burned on the altar. The breast of the animal is waved by the priest as a wave offering and its portions set apart for the priests. The remaining flesh is eaten by the worshipper with his family inside the court of the tabernacle. It should not be eaten outside and by an unclean person.

Meaning of the sacrifice. We are reconciled to God by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. We were once far away from God, in enmity with Him and children of wrath. Jesus Christ suffered in His body the chastisement for our peace. He is our peace. 

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,  and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.  He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.  For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Ephesians 2:13- 18)

By making peace it is not only that the enmity is removed, but also that an active fellowship with God and the inheritance of sonship are restored. God is pleased with the peace offering and the worshiper and his family become its partakers deriving happiness and satisfaction. Peace offering can also be considered as pointing towards the observance of the Lord's Table which symbolises our fellowship with God and His people. Devine peace fills and overflows in the heart of the person who has obtained peace with God and man. This is the peace of God that passes all understanding. This is the same peace which Jesus gave to his disciples.

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

TWO TYPES OF PEACE OFFERING 

1. Thanks giving offering : Lev. 7:12-15

2. Vow or voluntary offering: Lev. 7:16-19

Unleavened cakes and wafers baked with oil are offered with peace offering as Thanksgiving. Besides, leavened bread is also permitted. This is quite significant. The emphasis in peace offering is on the worshipper who is weak and with infirmities if the flesh. Although the worshiper is reconciled with God, he is still living in this body where there is constant warfare between flesh and spirit. The part of victory is to mortify the deeds of the body by the spirit continually and burn them on the altar.

 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. (Romans 7:21)

The portions of flesh set apart for the worshipper in the thanksgiving offering must be eaten on the same day. As our blessings through Christ are new every day. we must praise Him in the newness of Spirit with new songs.

The worshipper portions of the vow offering can be eaten on the same day and the next day. This points to the fact that vow we take with God and its joy are not temporary, but enduring.

Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Hence we must observe peace with all men and seek after holiness.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

Let the peace of Christ reign on our hearts.

 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.(Colossians 3:15)