Leviticus 3:6-17
WE HAVE seen that in the peace offering all the fat, which was the excellence of the animal, was for God — it was to be burned upon the altar as a sweet savor unto the Lord. From this we learn that there was in Christ that which only God His Father could fully appreciate, which He alone could measure, and it was a delight to His heart. Oh what excellence the Father found in His beloved Son!
But if there was a part for God there is also a part for man. In fact the sacrifice of Christ on the cross unites all who partake of it in joy, thanksgiving and praise. If we turn to chapter 7: 11-18 we read that “the breast” was for Aaron and his sons. This typifies all believers. The breast was their portion, and this tells us that the affections of Christ, the precious love of Jesus, is the portion of all His own eternally. It is for all who own Him as Saviour, and He makes that love good to the feeblest heart that beats in Christ. His weakest child can say, “The Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.
Then we also read in chapter 7:33: “He among the sons of Aaron, that offereth the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat, shall have the right shoulder for his part.” The priest who offered the sacrifice is a type of the Lord Jesus who offered Himself without spot to God, and He, blessed to think, has His part, too. What joy and delight to His heart to see His own, those for whom He died, those who are the fruit of His sufferings, seated around Himself in worship and praise, or going on, living for and serving Him now on earth. But what supreme joy for Him when He shall have all His redeemed around Himself in the glory, and all on earth worshiping at His feet. Then “He shall see of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied.” Isa. 53:11.
On that last night in that upper room we hear Him say, “I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” Matt. 26:29. He would not enter into the joy of the heavenly glory (the Father’s kingdom), which belongs to Him, apart from His own; He is waiting to bring us there so that He might share it with us.
Thus in the peace offering we have in type that which flows from the death of Christ in which all rejoice — the Father, the Son and all His redeemed. “Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3.
But, dear young friends, God would not have us wait until we get to heaven to taste these joys of counion and love. He would have us to enjoy them even now by His Spirit. “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ.” 1 Cor. 10:16.
Life, rest, and peace, the flowers of deathless bloom,
The Saviour gives us — not beyond the tomb,
But here, and now; on earth the taste is given
Of joys which wait us through the gates of heav’n.
ML-06/13/1971