Something New "O" & "P"

HIGH PLACES  :)

July 27

Offerings and Places

There were so many specific types of offerings in Old Testament times.  I wonder who kept the calendar to know when to do what?  Burnt (for sins), Drink (a sacrifice of dedication to God), Fellowship (symbolizing peace and fellowship with God), Grain (an act of worship), Guilt (eased guilty consciences with restitution for sin), Sin (required blood sacrifice), Thank (expression of gratitude), Wave (ceremony where offerings are lifted up in dedication to the Lord).

How blessed we are now to not be bound by the law, but by our hearts.  Have you offered your heart, mind and soul to the Lord?  What is your heart attitude when the offering plate is passed?

Reading in 2 Timothy 4:1-8 MSG this morning, Paul has a take on offerings, as he encourages Timothy:"You take over. I'm about to die, my LIFE an offering on God's altar."

The Bible refers to The Holy Place, The Most Holy Place and High Places.

Here is how we differentiate.

The Holy Place-"Part of the Israelite sanctuaries (tabernacle and temple), located just outside the Most Holy Place. Contained the altar of incense, the table for the bread of the Presence and the lamp stand.

The Most Holy Place-The inner sanctuary of both the Old Testament tabernacle and the temple, containing the ark of the covenant, the symbol of God's presence.  The high priest alone was allowed to enter it once each year on the Day of Atonement.

High Places-Places of worship often associated with pagan religious practices, immorality and human sacrifice. Religious objects were placed on the tops of hills to appease pagan gods.  Generally, Israelites were forbidden to worship God there, and God commanded them to destroy these areas.

Most important for us, is the place Jesus holds in our hearts?  Do we see Him as a man who walked on earth or as "the way, the truth and the life, through whom acceptance as our personal Savior is the only way to our Heavenly Home with God the Father.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. 

 No one comes to the Father except through me.  John 14:6