Leviticus 3:6-11: a reflection

6“‘If his offering for a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD is from the flock, either male or female, he shall offer it without defect. 7If he offers a lamb for his offering, then he shall offer it before the LORD; 8and he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it before the Tent of Meeting. Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. 9He shall offer from the sacrifice of peace offerings an offering made by fire to the LORD; its fat, the entire tail fat, he shall take away close to the backbone; and the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is on the entrails, 10and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away. 11The priest shall burn it on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire to the LORD.

Among the offerings God prescribes is the peace offering, and its very name points to its meaning: it was an offering associated with peace and fellowship with God. Unlike offerings wholly consumed on the altar, the peace offering was shared, part burned to God, part eaten by the worshiper, a meal in God's presence. It symbolized restored relationship, fellowship, peace between God and his people, celebrated in a shared meal.

Notice what the peace offering pictured: peace and fellowship with God. It was not only about atoning for sin, but about the restored relationship that followed, the fellowship and peace between God and his people. The shared meal, part given to God and part eaten by the worshiper, pictured communion, fellowship, a relationship of peace. God and his people at peace, in fellowship, sharing a meal: that is what the peace offering celebrated.

That picture of peace and fellowship with God points to what God has made possible in Christ. Through Christ, we who were at enmity with God are brought into peace with him, restored to fellowship, welcomed into communion with him. The peace the offering pictured is made real in Christ, who is our peace, reconciling us to God. Do not think of your relationship with God only in terms of atonement for sin, necessary as that is; through Christ, you are brought into peace and fellowship with God, welcomed into communion with him. The peace offering pictured fellowship with God, a relationship of peace; and that fellowship is yours in Christ. Enjoy the peace and fellowship with God that Christ has won for you, the communion the peace offering pictured, living not as an enemy at a distance, but as one brought near, at peace with God, in fellowship with him through Christ, who is our peace.

Lord, among the offerings you prescribed was the peace offering, associated with peace and fellowship with you; unlike offerings wholly consumed, it was shared, part given to you and part eaten by the worshiper, a meal in your presence, picturing restored relationship, fellowship, peace between you and your people. Show me what it pictured: peace and fellowship with you, not only atonement for sin, but the restored relationship that followed. And let it point me to what you have made possible in Christ. Through Christ, I who was at enmity with you am brought into peace with you, restored to fellowship, welcomed into communion with you. The peace the offering pictured is made real in Christ, who is my peace, reconciling me to you. Keep me from thinking of my relationship with you only in terms of atonement for sin, necessary as that is; through Christ, I am brought into peace and fellowship with you, welcomed into communion with you. The peace offering pictured fellowship with you, a relationship of peace; and that fellowship is mine in Christ. Help me enjoy the peace and fellowship with you that Christ has won for me, living not as an enemy at a distance, but as one brought near, at peace with you, in fellowship with you through Christ, who is my peace. Thank you for peace with you, Lord.