These, then, are the regulations for the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering and the fellowship offering... Leviticus 7:37
For someone in the modern day church, understanding animal sacrifice is sometimes tough. Now I see a clearer picture. The sacrificial system was more than a mechanism for controlling the animal population. It was used to bring the people together, first to honor God, then to build relationships among the people themselves.
Hmm... sounds like a good old fashioned church picnic and barbecue to me!
God knew what He was doing. There are few things that can unify people more than food. The offerings presented by the people served more than one purpose. Some were meant to atone for sin and were completely burned. Others were meant to be shared and enjoyed in the spirit of fellowship.
So why is it so tough to understand?
Lord, You laid a foundation through the laws given to Moses for what was to come. One day a pure Lamb would be given. We share in His body and blood every time we take communion. Bring Your people together, Father. Continue to build Your Church, so we might honor You.