Leviticus 1 Devotional

Accepted in Another's Place

“He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.”Leviticus 1:4 (BSB)

The LORD's first words from the tent are about how someone may come near him (1:1-2). A worshiper brings an animal without blemish to the entrance of the tent and lays his hand on its head, and it is accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him (1:4). Atonement means dealing with sin so that the sinner can be at peace with God. Its blood is splashed against the altar, and the whole offering is burned.

And the door is wide. A bull from the herd, a sheep or goat from the flock, or a turtledove or young pigeon may be brought (1:3, 10, 14). Each is called a pleasing aroma to the LORD, the bird no less than the bull (1:9, 17). Paul describes Christ's self-giving love for us in this same language, as a fragrant sacrifice offered to God (Ephesians 5:2). You do not come to God on the strength of what you bring. You come leaning on a sacrifice accepted in your place.

To think about: What are you tempted to bring to God as your reason for being accepted, instead of leaning on the sacrifice of Jesus?