Justin Houtz

Leviticus 1, Acts 2

DateVersionReading Plan
April 1, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Leviticus 1

Observation

The Book of Leviticus opens with the LORD calling Moses from the tent of meeting to give instruction on bringing and conducting offerings. When one of the people brought an offering to the LORD, it was to be of their livestock, from the herd or from the flock (Lev. 1:1-2).

Instructions continue for different types of burnt offerings, from the herd (bulls), the flock (goats) and birds (turtledoves and pigeons). All three types were to be burnt completely, but there are details around offering conduct that are specific to each type. For the offering of the herd, the one bringing the offering was to lay his hand on the animal to make atonement for him (Lev. 1:4). The CSB notes says that this was “A symbolic act that acknowledged the relationship between the worshiper and the sacrificial offering.” The bull was then to be killed before the LORD, the blood brought and thrown against the sides of the altar by Aaron and his sons. It was to be cut to pieces, put fire on the altar, arranging the wood, arrange the head and fat on the wood that is on the altar, but the entrails and legs were to be washed with water. All of it was to be burned as a pleasing aroma to the LORD (Lev. 1:5-9).

The instructions for the offering from the flock is much the same. There is no mention of laying the worshiper’s hand in the case of flock offering, but it seems the herd offering process is largely extended to the flock offering as well. It is the offering of birds that has significant difference from herd or flock. The bird was to be brought to the altar, head wringed off, blood drained on the sides of the altar, contents removed, torn open by its wings but not severed completely and burned on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire as a burnt offering, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD (Lev. 1:14-17).

Application

The detail that the people were to bring an offering from their own herd or flock is worthy of note. This was not a stray animal but one that was domesticated and costly for the worshiper to sacrifice. The FSB points out the “Wild animals, even those acceptable for consumption, were not allowed as sacrificial animals (see Deut 14:4–5).” It is important to understand this as it shows us what kind of offering is pleasing to the LORD. He did not want what was easy for them to give up and neither does He want such things from us. He wants your first and your best as a radical demonstration of faith, wholly dependent on Him for all things, trusting in His goodness and that He will provide for your every need. This we do out of an overflow of gratitude of the greatest sacrifice offered in Christ Jesus

Acts 2

Observation

The apostles were together on the Day of Pentecost when a sound from heaven came down, a sound like a rushing wind, filling the house where they were sitting (Acts 1:1-2). They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 1:4). Multitudes came together—devout ment from every nation—and were bewildered that they were each speaking but hearing in their own language (Acts 1:6). All were amazed and perplexed, asking what this meant, but others mocked and said that they were filled with new wine (Acts 1:12-13).

Peter addressed them and said that they were not filled with wine as it was only the third hour of the day (Acts 1:14). Peter explained that this was the fulfillment of the prophet Joel in the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:16-21). He recounted the life and wondrous works of Jesus, that they had delivered Him up to be crucified, killed in the hands of lawless men, but God raised Him up because He could not be held by death (Acts 1:23-24).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You are infinitely gracious to give us the means by which we can be acceptable to You. Thank You for Your Son who has given me new life in You. Lord, help me by Your Spirit to live a life of sacrifice and that it would be pleasing aroma to You.

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