“These are the appointed feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim as times of holy convocation, for presenting to the LORD offerings by fire, burnt offerings and cereal offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each on its proper day” (Leviticus 23:37).
We are approaching the Autumn Appointed Feasts as recorded for us in the Book of Leviticus. Each of these feasts require offerings to be presented to the Most High Father of various forms including animal sacrifices. Jesus is the Lamb sacrificed for us and therefore animal sacrifice for forgiveness of sin is no longer needed. What are we therefore to bring today as an acceptable offering in place of animal sacrifices?
The greatest offering we can bring to the Father at His appointed feasts is a repentant heart. We are all sinners. Jesus died on the cross so that through His blood we can be forgiven from all sin and inherit eternal life. The Word states: “No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Let us therefore review our lives, humble ourselves before the Father and plead forgiveness for our sins so that we can say as David did: “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). Hallelujah!
Another important offering to the Father is our obedience to live according to His commandments and instructions. “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22). Jesus has given all his followers this instruction: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Matt.28:19-20). An acceptable offering is to obey this instruction and to spread the Good News of redemption through the blood of Jesus to a lost and dying world.
The Bible gives us further guidance on what we can give that will be acceptable to the Father. “Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me’ (Matt.25:34-36).
Money is often the first thing we consider as offerings. And it is appropriate and necessary as we see the truth of the words of Jesus that the poor will always be with us. When bringing a monetary offering we should allow Holy Spirit to guide us about how and where to give. Apostle Paul also taught us to give to where we are spiritually fed. How we give our offering is also important. The Word says that each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God love a cheerful giver (2Cor.9:7). We should give out of love and compassion for others.
Our time is an acceptable offering we can bring to the Father, not just on the feasts days but always. By giving our time we can provide practical support or just a listening ear to those in need, the sick, the brokenhearted, someone suffering the loss of a loved one, undergoing a divorce or one afflicted by depression, hopelessness and despair. In addition, by applying our skills and experience to facilitate and support the harvest of souls for the Kingdom we are presenting worthy offerings to the Father as it costs us our time and demonstrates our love and compassion and obedience to His will.
The Appointed feast is also a time to present offerings of thanksgiving, worship and praise to the Father. “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name” (Heb.13:15) What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the LORD’s name for saving me. I will keep my promises to the LORD in the presence of all his people” (Psalms 116:12-14). Let us praise him with shouts of adoration and love, for He is worthy to be praised.
MY PRAYER
Father AhaYah, thank you for introducing Your Appointed Feasts as a time for us to reflect on Your love and Your goodness and to present our offerings to You. Father today we offer You our worship, our thanks and our praise. Thank you for Your steadfast love that endures forever, for Your mercies that are new every morning and for being our rock and fortress. Thank you for being with us always even when we feel that you are far off. We bless You and we praise Your Holy name.
Father, please grant us forgiveness of our sins and wash us once again with the blood of the Lamb so that we can bring to You our praise with a pure and humble heart and a contrite spirit. Father, may Your will be done on earth and in our lives today and always. In Your mercy, please help us to be obedient to Your will. Please give us the courage and boldness to proclaim your love, mercy and saving grace to all as Jesus has commanded us to do. Father, please grow within us love and compassion for our neighbour so that we can be a light for those who are in need. Father AhaYah, we pray this in the name of our Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Aman.