We know at the time of Jeremiah the temple in Jerusalem had been defiled by altars to false gods being erected in it and offering being made on them. This is what caused to pour out His wrath on Judah. Not just the fact they were worshipping false gods but they had defiled two very important offerings.
The first offering they desecrate was the burnt offering. The Hebrew word `olah, means — burnt sacrifice (offering), to ascend, to go up. It required the death of an animal. Every part of the animal, except the skin which was the payment the priest received for making the sacrifice, was placed on the altar and totally consumed by the fire. It was the atonement for sin, offered up every morning and night. Anyone can bring an animal for a burnt offering to the priest. It was an acknowledgment of sin and a request for the relationship with God to be renewed. It foreshadowed the death of Jesus. His body was totally consumed on the cross. While His garments were split among those who officiated. His sacrificed that was the final atonement for sin and repaired the relationship between man and God.
The drink offering was profaned to in the temple also as they offered to the false gods. With every burnt and grain offering a drink offering was included. Depending on the animal a certain amount of wine was poured on to the fire.
Lamb — one quart of wine Ram — third of a gallon of wine Bull — half of a gallon of wine The drink offering represented the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross.
By the misuse of these sacrifices, they were misrepresenting God and His ultimate plan of reuniting in fellowship with man.
The smell of the aroma of the roasting meat and the wine made sweet smell in the smoke as it rose towards heaven. In 2 Corinthians 2:15 ESV, “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,” we are that aroma to God. Our lives are to be a sacrifice to God as stated in Romans 12:1 ESV, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”The question is there something that you are holding back, keeping you from being fully on the altar?
(Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash)
Bonnie Sue Writes 