Loving Leviticus!: The burnt offering

I am currently reading in Leviticus as part of my Bible reading. I have never really done an in-depth study of all the sacrifices and their meaning. But I have learned some insights this time around by using a wonderful book called Rose's Book of Bible Charts, Maps and Timelines. So far I have read about four types of offering.

The burnt offering represents complete surrender and dedication to God. It reminds me of such verses as this one: "For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (Psalm 51:16-17).

God calls each one of his children to complete dedication to him, "" I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1, ESV)

The apostle Paul who wrote the above words is a great example of what complete dedication to God looks like. While he was in prison, he wrote the Phillippian church, "Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all." (Philippians 2:17, ESV). As he faced imminent martyrdom he again wrote, "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:6-7, ESV).

Absolute surrender of my life to God is His will for my life.