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Offerings (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe wave offering formed part of the peace offering described in Leviticus 7. The priest removed the breast, identified as the brisket and regarded as the finest portion of the animal, and placed it in the offeror's hands. Holding his own hands beneath those of the offeror, the priest then moved the meat in a waving motion toward the altar. This action signified that the best portion was presented to God, after which the meat was returned to the priest as his possession. The text states that the breast belonged to Aaron and his sons, constituting a gift from God to the priesthood. The wave offering stood in distinction from the heave offering, which involved simply lifting a portion and handing it directly to the priest without the waving motion. Both actions occurred after the fat and entrails had been burned on the altar as God's share. The remaining meat stayed with the offeror for a communal meal shared on the same day or the following day, depending on whether the peace offering was presented for thanksgiving, a vow, or as a freewill gift. This arrangement illustrated the results of complete devotion to God, shown in the burnt offering, and devotion to God through service to man, shown in the meal offering. The peace offering, placed atop those two, produced the abundance and fellowship represented by the shared meal in which God, the priest, and the offeror all participated. The wave offering therefore formed a visible token that the finest portion returned from God to the priest, confirming that the blessings arising from obedience flow back through the door of the tabernacle to those in communion with Him.
Did Israel Offer the Wavesheaf in Joshua 5?
Article by David C. GrabbeFor decades, the church of God has struggled with counting Pentecost, especially in years when Passover falls on a Sabbath. Does Joshua 5 hold the key or not?
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Three): The Meal Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe meal offering represents the fulfillment of the second great commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Here is how to understand this offering.
The Work of the Firstfruits
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughPentecost emphasizes the Christian's work, both in the field, his external labors, and his house, his internal labors. Being converted takes a great deal of work.
Two Loaves, Baked with Leaven
Sermonette byThe leavening indicates that the wave loaves speak to this life rather than the resurrection. It is accepted by God only because of the other sacrifices.
God's Spiritual Harvest
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsLike Christ, we too are firstfruits, represented by the leavened loaves picturing our acceptance by the Father.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe 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 Appointed Weeks of Pentecost
Sermon by David C. GrabbeEach day in the count is a reminder to consider what we are sowing and what we are cultivating because it will assuredly come to fruition and then evaluation.
Psalms: Book Two (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Pentecost season generally corresponds to Book II of the Psalms, Exodus, and the story of Ruth. Major themes include exile, separation, and redemption.
Psalms: Book Two (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBook II of the Psalms was written largely by David and shows how he reacts to some gruesome trials by surrendering to God's redemption.
The Spirit and the Way
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe are being judged by our works, based upon what we know and what we are doing with this knowledge. The more we know, the more God expects from us.
The Church, One Body
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's call to learn from the ant does not teach us to yield to a hierarchical system, but to participate in a community with the goal of edification.
Wilderness Wandering (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are being fitted as lively stones into an already formed Kingdom, being conformed to the image of Christ, who has been designated as the Cornerstone.