Peace Offering

Reading Portion

Lev. ch. 3

Lesson Content

1. The peace offering reveals what we should do to be found in perfect peace in the presence of the Lord at His coming (II Pet.3:14).

2. We have to preserve four experiences of peace in order to meet the Lord in peace:

(i) Peace between us and God (Rom.5:1). (ii) Peace within ourselves (Col.3:15). (iii) Peace with one another (in the church) (Mk.9:50). (iv) Peace with all men (Rom.12:18).

3. The objects of sacrifice:

(i) male or female of the herd (Lev.3:1). (ii) lamb (Lev.3:7). (iii) goat (Lev.3:12).

4. The peace offering is offered just as the burnt offering. That which must be burnt in this — (Lev.3:3,4,9,10,14,15). This is an offering made by fire, of a sweet smelling savour unto the Lord (Lev.3:15,16).

5. The manner of sacrifice: (Lev.3:2-5).

6. Its spiritual significance:

(i) Laying hand on the head of the animal: Spiritually, this signifies the chastisement of our peace being laid upon Jesus (Isa.53:5). (ii) Being killed and the blood sprinkled upon the altar round about: This speaks of God reconciling all things unto Himself by Jesus Christ, Who through the blood of His cross, made peace reconciling us to God in the body of His flesh through death (Col.1:20-22). (iii) The fat that covereth the inwards: The ‘inwards’ or ‘ bowels’ speak of compassion (Isa.16:11). However, here it does not speak of compassion for others but speaks of a man losing peace by giving room to self -pity, with the thought that others do not care for him. This should be totally removed from a man if his peace should be preserved. (iv) The fat that is upon the inwards: This signifies one’s inward longing for a comfortable and luxurious life. Unless this is removed, we cannot receive that perfect peace that Jesus offers, in saying, “my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth” (Jn.14:27). He also said that in Him we shall have peace, but in the world, tribulation (Jn.16:33).

(v) The two kidneys: Kidneys speak of the depth of man’s secret life. A man has to place the secrets hidden in the depth of his heart upon the altar, if he must experience peace deep within. (vi) The fat that is on the kidneys which is by the flanks: This speaks of esteeming oneself to be great and endeavouring to preserve one’s own position and standing. This attitude must be removed from us if our peace is to be preserved under all circumstances, even in humiliation. (vii) The caul above the liver with the kidneys: It signifies labouring to preserve one’s own life. Jesus said, “Whosoever will save his life shall lose it” (Matt.16:25). We will thereby lose our peace. Therefore, this nature must be burnt. The peace offering speaks of our diligence to be found of Him in peace, at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.