But thinking from the perspective of the Israelites, what was it that made believing in God so difficult? For one thing, the sacrificial system was very hard! The Skeptics estimated that over the 40-year period, there would have been 1,007,400 lambs and 3,007,600 pigeons or turtledoves sacrificed. These animals were presumably taken from Egypt when they left (Exodus 12:35-36). But what about the grain that was required for offering? Where did they get that in the desert?
Bible.org "The Grain Offering" offered a very scholastic explanation. The "grain" that was offered was likely "seeds" that the Israelites took from Egypt in order to restart farmland wherever the Israelites would end up. So that would be their security that they were to offer up! So it would be like giving up our retirement savings!
Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? (Matthew 16:24-26)
Again, the story of the rich young man who came to Jesus to ask him "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17-31). Jesus' reply: “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”. Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
I continue to see God's miracles every single day. I sometimes feel that I am giving away too much for God. I must continue to learn from scripture. Romans 8:31-37 is particularly helpful. Here is my favourite verse to put things into perspective:
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (verse 32)
Excellent and meaningful explanation. Thank you for linking NT teaching and application to OT examples and shadows.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope it brings you blessings!
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