Sweet Sacrifice – The Perfect Offering Of Jesus

Leviticus 1:13

13… the priest shall bring it all and burn it on the altar; it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.

The Old Testament has many references to burnt offerings being made. When the offered animals are killed, their heads were cut off, fat removed, and the entrails and legs were washed. All these may seem gross to us now, but back then, this kind of burnt offerings were described as a sweet smelling aroma to God.

Why is this so?

Well, the burnt offerings of the past is actually a picture that speaks of the perfect offering of Jesus which is to come. The killing of the animals was a symbol of the sweet sacrifice and the death of Jesus, who has “given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma”(Ephesians 5:2).

The Head

The head of the sacrificed animal represents Christ’s Mind, which was offered as a covering for our own. Therefore, even though our minds are often cluttered with worries, unbelief, foolish thoughts, and earthly distractions, God sees us as if we have the Mind of Christ, perfect and without a single displeasing thought, a true sweet aroma to Him.

The Fat

The fat of the animals, on the other hand, represents the Riches of Jesus, His very Best, as God often spoke of the fat of something as the best of that object (Genesis 45:18). Therefore, the fat of the burnt offerings depicted the act of Jesus giving us His Riches, and His very Best through the sweet sacrifice of love. So God now sees us not in our poverty and lack (both spiritually and physically), but in all the Excellence and Riches of Christ our Lord.

The Entrails

The entrails or intestines of the animals then represent the emotions of Christ, His feelings and motivations, His affections and desires. Therefore, although we are often faced with negative emotions, like those of anger, hate, confusion, anxiety, and worry, God no longer sees them. Instead, all He sees are the perfect desires of Jesus, the desires to please God in everything He does, all pure, all perfect, all pleasing to our Lord.

The Legs

Lastly, the legs of the animals refer to the perfect walk of Jesus, in which He completely and perfectly served and obeyed the Lord. It is used as a covering for our own walk with God, making our imperfections perfect, and our crooked ways straight in the eyes of the Lord.

The Sweet Sacrifice - A Perfect Offering

Now do you see how the perfect offering of Jesus is a sweet sacrifice to God? Not only did His finished work cover our sins once and for all, it also covered our minds, our thoughts, our poverty, our lack, our negative emotions, our imperfect walk, and everything that falls short of the perfection that God desires of us. In return, He gave us all of His very Best, perfect righteousness, wholeness of mind and spirit, all glory and riches, and most importantly, a completely perfect walk with God.

Jesus truly is a Sweet Sacrifice to God!

by loaves and fishes.org

THE KING'S GRACE COMES CALLING

Our Text we take is from 2 Samuel 9:1-13

How would you define the word "grace"? Webster's defines it as, "undeserved divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration and sanctification." Others have defines it as "unmerited divine love and favor extended to sinners."

Maybe you have heard the following: "Justice is getting what you deserve. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you do not deserve." Each of those is true. The following story illustrates what grace is all about.

2 Samuel 9 records the incredible story of how King David poured out grace on Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan. In it, David stands as a type of Christ, foreshadowing the grace to be revealed in Jesus of Galilee. David shows and models grace in that he:

1. Remembered His Covenant
2. Reached Out First to Mephibosheth
3. Relieved Mephibosheth's Fears
4. Reinstated Mephibosheth to His Inheritance
5. Richly Blessed Mephibosheth
6. Restored Fellowship with Mephibosheth

Just as David did these things for Mephibosheth, God has done for us through Jesus. Moreover, He invites us to continue the work by living a life that both receives and offers grace.

For the Table to be a 'Table of Grace' it must be:

* A Table of Protection, Provision, Parenting..
* A Table of Prayer
* A Table of Praise
* A Table of Power - given to be one of his adopted sons.

This chapter is all about that kind of grace. It is about the kind of grace that reaches out to the undeserving and lifts them out of their condition, forever changing them and their surroundings.
Many of us need this kind of grace in our lives. Some had enjoy this kind of grace.

As David extends his grace to a man named Mephibosheth. (a nobody to somebody) We have learn a lesson here as David he took Mephibosheth from The Poor House To the King's House. Likewise, Jesus can do more than that for us. Jesus can do for you and me much much more too! This is His GREAT GRACIOUS GRACE FLOWING OUT FROM HIM TO US.

Mephibosheth's Future:

1) He Had A New Place - Psalm 40:1-3, 2 Cor. 5:17
2) He Had A New Position - John 1:12
3) He Had A New Provision - Psalms 37:25; Phil. 4:19
4) He Had A New Parent - I John 3:1-3

As His son I can dine with Him, I can come before His Throne whenever I need Him. I can be as close as I want to be with my heavenly Father. He changes everything when He comes!
David was telling Mephibosheth everything has changed now that he the king has come into his presence. He has restores and provides everything for him. King Jesus is calling us to His Banqueting Table and His Gracious Throne. That is our GLORIOUS GRACIOUS FUTURE! AMEN!

MAY YOU BE BLESSED AND RECEIVE FROM HIS GRACIOUS LOVE!

The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax

The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax – Mt. 12:18-21

"A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, until he sends forth judgment unto victory." Matthew 12:20

Our Scriptures tell us that as Christian we are set forth under two striking similitudes. He is compared to a "bruised reed;" and "smoking flax."

And of the Lord it is most graciously said, that this "bruised reed" he will not "break," and this "smoking flax" he will not "quench." No more, so far from breaking the one, or quenching the other, he will never leave his gracious work in the soul until he "sends forth judgment unto victory." Jesus has been judged at the cross for our victory. It was His gracious grace that took our judgment and raised us up to be seated in the heavenlies. And that was our victory he won.

This speaks of our Christian character sometimes in weakness and vulnerable. But the Gracious Redeemer Jesus will not “break” nor “quench” the other. Eventually God send forth Jesus to be judged for us that we might receive the victory.

We find that a REED more striking emblem of weakness. That means our lives are depended upon the work of grace upon grace. As a believer we are frail creature and needy. A reed is lowly and humble as Jesus was born and sometimes unknown and unnoticed by others. But yet our life is a life that depends deep down upon the root which gives us life.

What makes a Christian "a bruised reed?" Several things–

1. The HOLY LAW of God. It is true, that usually the law is applied to the conscience in the very first convictions of sin. But it is not always so, or at least not with the same power. When did Paul learn the experience contained in Romans 7:9-11? Was it during the three days at Damascus, or afterwards in the deserts of Arabia? Galatians 1:17 It would seem that his distress of soul at Damascus arose chiefly from his having kicked against the goads of conscience in persecuting the saints. The law bruised Jesus. It bruised the holy Lamb of God; and, by bruising the reed, bruises it into conformity to the suffering Man of Sorrows in the garden and on the cross.

2. AFFLICTION also bruises. His own dear Son was bruised by grief and trouble, for he was a "Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief." yet learned he obedience by the things that he suffered

3. TEMPTATION also sadly bruises the "reed." God is a God that does not “kill us” when we are fallen. He is not angry but He knows that when we are weak and bruise He came to our rescue. Judgment has fallen upon Him and He provides victory after victory for us.

We are living in this world of temptation and it has bruised many strong Christians. Yet if they knew the Grace of God they would overcome it.

Well therefore is the prayer and the precept, "Lead us not into temptation; Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation." Were there in us no sin, we would be like Jesus, when he said, "The Prince of this world comes, and has nothing in me." But these temptations also bruise our own strength, wisdom and righteousness. Did not Job come out of his temptations with his self-righteousness bruised?

4. SATAN, especially, is permitted in God's wonderful providence to bruise the "reed." It was declared in the first promise, that "the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head;" but it was added, that "the serpent should bruise his heel." The very part that trod upon him the serpent was allowed to bruise. And if he was allowed to bruise "the seed of the woman," much more, much more may he bruise us. And bruise us he will to some purpose

How the apostle Paul had a painful experience of this! Satan, we read, buffeted him 2 Cor. 12:7. The word "buffet" means to beat with the fist. Satan's assaults are knock-down blows, not gentle taps. He strikes with the strength and skill of the professional boxer; his blows therefore stun.

An accuser of the brothers – Rev. 12:10-12 Notice he is called not an accuser, but the accuser of our brothers. His main business is to make you aware of your sin – accusing you, and robbing you of the sense of victory that comes by the finished work of the cross of Jesus. The devil knows when you’ve failed, when you’ve made a mistake and he knows how to make you feel guilty about it. Once you are out of victory you can’t pray anything to God. All the while because you make mistakes and you fail.

Satan will bruise you with guilt that keeps him away from God. The devil uses guilt. Guilt tells you, “you’re too weak”. You’ve fallen before and you’ll fall again. You just don’t have what it takes. Why try again? You might as well give up”. But God wants you to overcome him through the blood. The grace of God empowers you over sin, give strength to recover and change your lives. Yes you can change. People and believers can change. Yes, VICTORY IS ON YOUR SIDE!

Are you bruised? Be of good comfort, he calls you. Conceal not your wounds, open all before him and take not Satan's counsel. Go to Christ, although trembling, as the poor woman who said, `If I may but touch his garment' (Matt. 9:21). We shall be healed and have a gracious answer. Go boldly to God in our flesh; he is flesh of our flesh, and bone of our bone for this reason, that we might go boldly to him. Never fear to go to God, since we have such a Mediator with him, who is not only our friend but our brother and husband.

Puritians Paperbags – Richard Sibbs

GOD WANTS TO BE OUR GOD

GOD WANTS TO BE OUR GOD

Our text taken from Hosea 2:19-23

A) “I will betroth you to Me forever” - This word “betroth” is the word “marry” engage for marriage. God wants a relationship and is faithful in His relationships with us. How does He betroth us with? What benefits He has for us?

1. In Righteousness

2. In Justice

3. In Loving kindness

4. In Mercy

5. In Faithfulness

The results are “we shall know the Lord” (Hosea 2:20) In Hebrews 8:11 it tells us “all will know Him”. We cannot teach believers to know the Lord – because we have limitations. And anyone who knows the Lord will know Him in the above five things. We cannot know God without His Righteousness (a gift) or without His Loving kindness or Mercy. We can also know God through His justice and Faithfulness cause God is faithful. These five things mentioned above will allow us to have a good relationship with our Lord Jesus as He says He will betroth us (bride as the Church) forever.

Firstly, it is in Christ Righteousness not our righteousness. We are made the righteousness of God. We are at right standing with God. This righteousness has nothing to do with us. This is not about our obedience which is important too. It is about one man’s obedience (Jesus) that made many righteous. (Roman 5:19)

Secondly in Justice. How to know God in justice? We know God is fair. We are also justified by Him and no one should condemn us now in Christ. We are made right by Him. The book of Roman 8:33 says “who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?” Justice made us free from condemnation and guilt, fear and worry. Justice has made us so secure.

Thirdly, what is Loving kindness? Psalmist David says, “Thy loving kindness is better than life” Life is meaningless when there is no love and kindness. Love is beautiful – love is kind, gentle and they don’t get angry with you even if you look like a fool or fails in life. God favors you because He loves you. (I John 4:19) God’s love is so lavishing because of His gracious grace – His unearned, undeserved, unmerited favor on us. There is no need to fight or struggle to qualify to get God’s favor and blessings. His grace is all over you and me because He first loves us. Our part is to trust His love for us and enjoy His favor. This is His Loving Kindness.

Fourthly, In Mercy – we deserve to be punished yet we are forgiven by God. God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Finally, God is faithful no matter what. If we are doubtful God will be faithful to us. If we fail or sin God is faithful. He is faithful because of Jesus who has punished for us already.

B) The second part in Hosea 2:21 says “It shall come to pass in that day (today) that I will answer” – The benefits of God answering prayers. Is God answering your prayers? Yes, He will! The prayer of the righteous man avail much … Elijah prayed for rain and rain has come! That means our prayers are effective because we are righteous. Righteous man is right standing with God. You can pray anything on earth to heaven God will answer you. God has an answer for you. God says “I will answer” and His answer is always “Yes” and He wants you to say “Amen”. That is what we need today – an always answer prayers because we are betroth or married forever.

C) The third part God says, “I will give the answer from heaven to the earth – and the earth shall manifest what? With GRAIN, with NEW WINE and with OIL. These are provisions for us and it also speaks more about the spiritual things. Jesus multiply the grain, turned the water into wine and Elijah’s oil overflowed. God not only supplies, He over supply us when there is lack. Supernatural things will happen when natural things dry out.

When Jesus multiplies the loaves and fishes for the 5,000 people, there is actually an oversupply. This speaks of surplus lifestyle in God. God who supplies seed to the sower and multiplies the seed sown. Increase the fruit of our righteousness. God is giving an answer to earth and He is saying “Multiply”

D) Lastly, Hosea 2:23 speaking again on mercy He says, “I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy”. What is mercy? Knowing mercy is one thing but believing in His mercy is another thing. Mercy is what you deserve but you are pardon. Mercy pardons you even you deserve punishment. As you know, God is a Forgiving God and He must have a lot of Mercy. And we know God by His mercy.

May the Lord's mercy, loving kindness and grace be poured upon you all! Amen!

BENJAMIN'S GENERATION

GET READY FOR THE END-TIME BLESSINGS

TEXT: Gen. 43:1-5, 13, 29, 45:22

God wants to unleash His blessings on us in these end times. I know this because God is releasing this truth about the Benjamin Generation. Benjamin Generation is the generation of grace. When the 10 brothers first met Joseph in Egypt, they were imprisoned. But the moment Benjamin came to Egypt, there was no more jail house talk. Grace was released and blessings followed!

Instead of prison food, they were welcomed into the palace for a feast. Their brother Joseph threw the feast for them. He declared unless Benjamin came into his presence, he would not entertain them and there would be no bread. (Gen. 43:3-5) So when the brothers brought his youngest brother to him, Joseph’s first instruction was “serve the bread”

When the world is falling apart and famine at that time too – “there is bread” enough for the Benjamin Generation (rep. the grace people). So Benjamin Generation , get ready for His end-time blessings. It is time for the feast!

Another important feature of Benjamin is that the number five is stamped all over his life. The number five speaks of God’s abundant provision through His grace. Though all the brothers ate at Joseph’s table, the Bible says that “Benjamin’s serving was five times as much”. (Genesis 43:34) Later, in Genesis 45:22, we see reference to this number again – “to Benjamin he [Joseph] gave…five changes of garments”.

You see Joseph did not only bless Benjamin, he also blessed his 10 brothers. He gave instructions for the sacks of his 10 brothers to be filled with grain as well as the money which they had paid earlier for the grain. These 10 brothers represent the Jewish people.

Jesus Is Our Heavenly Joseph. I am comparing Joseph to Jesus, because Joseph is a type of Jesus. Joseph symbolizes Jesus. Joseph’s brothers hated and rejected him. (Jews rejected Jesus) Joseph was not recognized the first time. He was recognized the second appearance. It will be the same for Jesus. During His 2^nd coming all Israel will be saved. Joseph ministered to two criminals in the dungeon. One lived the other died. During crucifixion, Jesus also had two criminals beside Him. One received eternal life and the other did not.

Jacob loved all his sons whom did Jacob loved the most? Joseph of course! Likewise God loves His Son the most. Joseph named which means “savior of the world”. Joseph was raised to save the people from famine. Likewise Jesus at these end times is going to do likewise for His Benjamin Generation. (the church) When everybody is going hungry and the economic is going down we pray that the heavenly Joseph (Jesus) is waiting for us to come to Him.

Notes taken from Joseph Prince book "Benjamin Generation"