April 28 -- "A Most Holy Part"

 Today's Reading: Leviticus 1 & 2

"A Most Holy Part"

This verse is part of the Old Testament book of Leviticus, which contains laws and instructions given by God to the Israelites regarding their worship and daily life. In this particular verse, God is instructing the Israelites on how to prepare a grain offering to be presented to Him.

The grain offering was an important part of the Israelite worship, and it was meant to be a symbol of gratitude and thanksgiving to God for His blessings. The offering was made up of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, and it was to be presented without any leaven or honey.

In Leviticus 2:3, God commands that the portion of the grain offering that is not burned on the altar should be given to Aaron and his sons, who were the priests. This portion was considered to be a most holy part of the food offerings, which means that it was set apart for a special purpose and was not to be used for any other purpose.

The priests were seen as mediators between God and the people, and they were responsible for carrying out the daily rituals and sacrifices in the temple. By setting aside a portion of the grain offering for the priests, the Israelites were acknowledging the important role that the priests played in their worship and community life.

Additionally, the priests were not allowed to own land or engage in other occupations, so they were dependent on the offerings and tithes of the people for their livelihood. Setting aside a portion of the grain offering for the priests ensured that they had a reliable source of sustenance and support.

While the instructions in Leviticus are specific to the Israelites and their worship practices, there are still lessons that we can learn from this verse today. One of the key lessons is the importance of giving thanks and gratitude to God for His blessings in our lives. Just as the grain offering was a symbol of thanksgiving, we too can express our gratitude to God through prayer and thanksgiving.

And, always keep in mind that it is "a most holy part" of your devotion and service of God when you freely offer your resources to support those who minister to you in spiritual things.