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"That he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins."

Text: Hebrews 5:1d

WORSHIP IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Worship in the Old Testament was truly profound. A number of things stand out as we read the Book of Leviticus.

1. Strict prescription of how to offer worship to God.

2. Procedures were to be carefully followed at all times.

3. The following were some of the special worship services that were conducted by the priests:-

a) Burnt offerings (Cf. Leviticus 1, 6)

b) Grain offerings (Cf. Leviticus 2, 6)

c) Peace offering (Cf. Leviticus 3, 6)

d) Sin offering (Cf. Leviticus 4, 6)

THE HOLY OFFICE OF THE PRIESTS

The priests were especially consecrated (ordained). The office was so holy that if the priests profaned their office they were punished by death. Two sons of Aaron were slain by the Lord when they offered “profane fire” to the Lord (Cf. Leviticus 10).

A DANGER THAT PERSISTED

The danger of not having a high regard of God was very real and persistent. The Book of Malachi contained many words of rebuke delivered to the priests. They allowed people to commit grave sins against the Lord, especially with reference to “gifts and sacrifices”.

1. They offered blind, lame and sickly animals in worship (Cf. Malachi 1:8).

2. God called such worship “evil” (Cf. Malachi 1:8).

3. The priests were charged with the sin of “despising” God’s name (Cf. Malachi 1:6d).

GIFTS AND SACRIFICES

These were part and parcel of worship! The high priest must ensure that the worship of God is upheld according to Biblical standards. No one must assume that gifts and sacrifices would be “automatically” accepted by God! (Cf. Isaiah 1:10-15 is a passage that described how God totally rejected the worship that was offered to Him by Israel).