Continuing to read through Leviticus . . . and noticed something I don’t think I’ve noticed before. One of those phrases, that because of its repetition, kind of jumps off the page. As I’ve been reading through this third book of Moses I’ve highlighted where the sacrifices offered on the altar are said to be “a pleasing aroma to the LORD.” I’m familiar with that idea . . . that, bound within atonement and worship, there is a sweet smell which ascends to heaven and brings delight to the LORD. But this morning, I think I’m being opened to the thought that, also within these sacrifices, is the food of God.

And the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, . . . They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. For they offer the LORD’’ food offerings, the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy . . . ” (Leviticus 21:1a, 6 ESV)

” . . . they present the offerings made to the LORD by fire, the food of their God, they are to be holy . . . “ (Leviticus 21:6 NIV)

Leviticus 21 and 22 are focused on the importance of the holiness of the priests. Instruction is given, in a number of areas, of how the priest of God is to keep himself clean . . . how he is to live consistently with call of the LORD who has sanctified him and set him apart for privileged service. And because God has also set me apart as a priest, as He has all believers (1Peter 2:5), I try to have “my ears on” for principles that apply to me as well. But what I’ve never noticed is how the offerings made to the LORD on the altar of fire are also referred to as “the bread” of “the food” of God.

From what I can gather, you’ll find this wording, repeated 5 times, only here in Leviticus 21 and 22 . . . that the priest of God is to be set apart to God because he offers the food of God. And, at first it I think it’s referring to the showbread, or the bread of Presence, which is placed just outside the holy of holies in the tent of meeting. But, at least in a couple of instances (21:6, 21:21, 22:25), it clearly refers to the animal sacrifices brought before the LORD. And so it causes me to pause. Why are those sacrifices described as God’s bread or God’s food? I’m familiar with God smelling the sacrifice . . . but in what sense are they God’s food?

Ok . . . so I don’t really know . . . it’s not the main teaching of the passage . . . it’s secondary . . . but is God-breathed . . . and so, it has me thinking. More than just a sweet smelling aroma, atonement and sacrifice are the food of God . . . perhaps that which satisfies Him . . . the atoning blood, for the remission of sins and the opening of the way for fellowship . . . the worship, the fruit of fellowship, as He delights in His people taking advantage of communion to exalt His glory. Again, I really don’t know.

But, I do know that Jesus said He was the true bread of heaven . . . certainly alluding to the bread given us that we might have eternal life. But isn’t He also the once for all sacrifice? . . . and so, in that sense, isn’t He pictured as the bread of God in this Leviticus context? He is he final offering of atonement . . . He is the ultimate freewill offering as He came to do the Father’s will, and His alone . . . and, He is the ultimate worship offering as He offered His very life on the altar of Calvary’s cruel cross. And in Him, God was pleased . . . and God was satisfied.

Again, don’t know what to exactly make of this phrase . . . but do believe it was put on my radar to noodle on. So noodle I will . . .