I Peter 2:5 says that we are to offer up spiritual sacrifices. Here is what that means and how we can do it acceptably before God.

The meal offering represents the intense self-sacrifice required in service to man. Our service to man must be done for God's sake rather than man's appreciation.

The peace offering teaches many things, but one of its main symbols is fellowship. Our communion with the Father and the Son obligates us to pursue peace.

Christ's sacrifice was both a sacrifice (fulfilling the law, which requires the shedding of blood for expiation from sin) and an offering (freely given).

In I Peter 2:5-9, God's people are called a chosen generation and a royal priesthood, God's own distinctive people, commissioned to offer sacrifices.

Consuming second tithe (not within our gates) is understood to be for foodstuffs, for entertaining spiritual siblings, and making them happy and joyful.

We are a kingdom of priests, called to be living sacrifices, ardently serving God, with a view of being consumed or used up in service to Him.

Navy Seal training has a humbling 'sugar cookie' exercise in which trainees are arbitrarily forced to endure excruciating discomfort and humiliation.

The New Covenant sacrifices are far more demanding than the Old Covenant sacrifices. But there are poignant lessons to be learned from animal sacrifices.

The primary function of a priest is to assist people in accessing God so that there can be unity with God. A priest is a bridge-builder between man and God.

If we want to follow Christ, we must sacrifice, take up our cross, and follow His example of service to God and others.

The peace offering symbolizes the abundant life that results from complete devotion to God (the burnt offering) and service to others (the meal offering).

As future priests, we are going to be given rigorous, hands-on jobs to teach people righteousness and holiness, distinguishing between the sacred and profane.

Our offerings should consist of prayer, service to others, as well as material or monetary contributions, reflecting our gratitude for blessings.

The last chapters in Numbers describe a lengthy holding pattern in which not much seemed to happen. We must have patience as we wait for the Kingdom of God.