Priest as Butcher

Yearly Reading: Exodus 40- Leviticus 3

He shall tear it open by its wings without severing it. Then the priest shall turn it into smoke on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire; it is a burnt offering, an offering by fire of pleasing odor to the Lord. Leviticus 1:17 NRSV

Today's reading is pretty grisly.

I am struck anew by how much the Levitical priest had to be a butcher. No wonder those that had the stomachs to kill their relatives were chosen for the priesthood: this is not a calling for the faint of heart.

Blood, guts, knives and - in this passage - pure strength were necessary to offer pleasing and right sacrifices and odors to God. Specific animal parts were offered. Some had to be washed, some had to be burned and others were sent to the trash heap. Blood was carefully used as a means of atonement and cleansing.

Today's Christian priest or pastor knows nothing about slaughtering. Today's Christian is not bound to bring and animal for sacrifice to the altar. Thanks be to God that Jesus gave up his own body and his blood so that we can be made right with God without the animal sacrifices!

Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice that has replaced the need for butchering on an altar. May we live as your people redeemed by your blood! Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims

Don't Forget

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and to not forget all his benefits- who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:1-5 NRSV

Bless the Lord with all that is in you and never forget all God has done for you.

What has God done for you?

What diseases has God healed in your life?

What was your Pit? How did God redeem you?

When has God shown you steadfast love and mercy?

Do you acknowledge when God satisfies you with good things?

In what ways has your youth been renewed besides with Botox?

Bless You, God, and with all that is in us we bless your Holy name. Amen.

Name one thing you are especially thankful for from the above questions.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims