6:1-7 These first 7 verses of this chapter are about restoration. We are each guilty of some level of destruction; intentionally or unintentionally, our clumsiness causes us to make errors. Leviticus 6 explains to us how to deal with the intentional destruction we cause: when we lie, manipulate or steal. In order to have the benefits of redemption, it is required that we restore what we took, tainted or dishonored with untruths.
In the context of the writing of Leviticus, people reached God through others... but we have no such limitation. Our access to God is direct. Our redemptive work instantly received by God. We are urged not only to restore but to add value to that which we ruined. We are given to by our God in exact manner: gifts from Him exceed our past circumstances.
Ultimately, we are called to be like Him.
6:8-13 The Law of the Burnt Offering is covered but is irrelevant to us now: God does not want our burnt offerings, Hosea 6:6. He wants us to be merciful souls. He wants us to inherently crave restoration over destruction.
6:14-23 The Law of the Grain offering is covered here. What we need to understand about the nature of offerings to God is that they are meant to keep us fixed on Him. For when we remember that He is our source, we discontinue sourcing from corrupt places and people. We offer Him the only thing we have: that which He has already given to us.
We reserve some of the best of what He has given us when we acknowledge its value. We show our gratitude for it when we offer it. And what is the most direct way to offer to Him? Offers to others, Matthew 25:31-46. Our ability and willingness to give back to Him exemplifies to Him that we trust Him to restore our supply. We do not need to hoard anything because He continues to fill our basket. The more readily we empty it out in service of Him and others, the more plentifully He fills the basket.
6:24-30 The law of Sin Offering is covered here. We are called to acknowledge the ways and times in which we are intentionally cruel or unjust or untruthful. Until we own our mistakes, we are enslaved by ignorance. We must examine our actions and identify our motives. If we do not acknowledge our flaw, we cannot ever correct it.
These offerings were meant to be sobering moments: to remind the participants of the value and fragility of life. They were meant to display the cruelty and seriousness of disregarding life. God wants us to know that selfish cruelty is a direct threat and extinguisher of life.
