Study #19: AYIN

AYIN: THE 16TH LETTER OF THE HEBREW ALPHABET

THE AYIN WORD: OLAH (BURNT OFFERING) PART 4

The Burnt Offering has more to teach us about true worship.

In the Old Testament, a worshipper did not just listen to a minister preaching a powerful sermon or sing a few stirring songs or respectful hymns. He was actively involved in the worship process.

According to Leviticus 1, he had to choose an unblemished animal from his flock, lead it into the sanctuary, lay hands on its head to transfer his sins onto it, then kill the animal himself, skin it, cut it in pieces, and then wash the cut-up parts in water. The Levite priests will capture dripping blood from the animal and sprinkle the blood on the brazen altar. After the worshipper has completed the aforesaid steps, the priests will arrange the pieces of the animal sacrifice on the brazen altar and burn all of it.

Abba Father, the Old Testament worshipper knew that his relationship with You was profoundly affected by his sacrifice. In bringing such a sacrifice, he acknowledged his sinfulness and guilt. He also publicly confessed his faith in You, his thankfulness for Your past blessing, and his resolve to live according to Your holy will all the days of his life.

Help us in the New Testament to regard worship as seriously – to realise that it is the full-life response of our head, heart, and hands to who You are and for what You has done for us by transferring all our sins onto Your Son who is our Burnt Offering ( OLAH ).

Leviticus 1: 5

5 Then he shall kill the bull before the Lord, and Aaron’s sons the priests shall bring the blood and throw the blood against the sides of the altar that is at the entrance of the tent of meeting.