There are some recurring themes in today’s passage which I hope serve to remind us of God’s inclusive invitation to those who would turn to Him.  In today’s class structured society it might be easy for us to perceive a hierarchy in the sacrifices we have read about so far, and to see today’s grain offering as a ‘poor relation’ to the herd and the flock.  However the character of our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us this is not His perception of His people’s offerings.  His commending of the poor widow’s offering (Mark 12: 41-43), and the sinful woman who prepared Him for burial with her expensive alabaster flask (Luke 7: 36-50) testify that the true pleasing aroma to our God is that of a true worshipper.  The true worshippers in today’s passage engage in rituals, not for their own sake, but which demonstrate that the Lord is central to every activity in their lives, every single day.  The offerings here speak of gratitude for all the Lord has provided.  The labour of His servant’s hands are being worked in worship to Him and the right portion of what He has provided is being returned to Him.  The application and challenge here might be regarding our own daily work and labour, whatever it might be; how often do we consider it an act of worship and thanksgiving to our God?  Do we stand out as His holy people in the way that we conduct our lives? 

It is difficult to unpack some of the theology in these chapters in Leviticus, and many commentaries offer different explanations for the instructed absence of honey and yeast in these offerings.  Perhaps many of those bringing these offerings, with all their criteria, knew less of the why than the how, but this was not to diminish their obedience.  Is that another application we can take into our lives?  Do we have to understand in order to exercise strict obedience to our God? Or can we trust the God who has been anxious to protect the wellbeing of our soul to the point of sacrificing His very own son for our eternal salvation.  Pray that you would learn to obey the Lord more each day, and to settle for understanding only when God sees fit to reveal it.