Today’s Reading from the One Year Bible – Leviticus 1:3-4 NLTse

[3]  “If the animal you present as a burnt offering is from the herd, it must be a male with no defects. Bring it to the entrance of the Tabernacle so you *[ Or it. ] may be accepted by the LORD. [4]  Lay your hand on the animal’s head, and the LORD will accept its death in your place to purify you, making you right with him. *[ Or to make atonement for you. ]

Lev 1:3,4

The first offering God describes is the burnt offering. A person who had sinned brought an animal with no defects to a priest. The unblemished animal symbolized the moral perfection demanded by a holy God and the perfect nature of the real sacrifice to come—Jesus Christ. The person then laid his hand on the head of the animal to symbolize the person’s complete identification with the animal as his substitute. Then he killed the animal, and the priest sprinkled the blood. He symbolically transferred his sins to the animal, and thus his sins were taken away (atonement). Finally the animal (except for the blood and skin) was burned on the altar, signifying the person’s complete dedication to God. God required more than a sacrifice, of course. He also asked the sinner to have an attitude of repentance. The outward symbol (the sacrifice) and the inner change (repentance) were to work together. But it is important to remember that neither sacrifice nor repentance actually caused the sin to be taken away. God alone forgives sin. Fortunately for us, forgiveness is part of God’s loving nature. Have you come to him to receive forgiveness?

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Jesus took time to pray – Mark 1:35 NIV

[35]  Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mk 1:35

Jesus took time to pray. Finding time to pray is not easy, but prayer is the vital link between us and God. Like Jesus, we must break away from others to talk with God, even if we have to get up very early in the morning to do it!

Cross References:

Mark 1:35-39 —This passage parallels Lk 4:42-44

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Proverb for the Day – Proverbs 16:18 HCSB

[18]  Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.

Pr 16:18

Proud people take little account of their weaknesses and do not anticipate stumbling blocks. They think they are above the frailties of common people. In this state of mind they are easily tripped up. Ironically, proud people seldom realize that pride is their problem, although everyone around them is well aware of it. Ask someone you trust whether self-satisfaction has blinded you to warning signs. He or she may help you avoid a fall.

Cross References:

Proverbs 16:18 — Je 49:16