The grain offering was the second offering mentioned in Leviticus (Lv 2:1-26). It was made and presented in one of three ways: (1) fine flour with olive oil and frankincense presented uncooked (Lv 2:1). This was symbolic of the Holy Spirit and prayer. It had to be fine flour because it represented the very best—the most work required to produce this quality of flour; (2) baked in the oven (Lv 2:4); or (3) baked on a griddle (Lv 2:5).

The one making the offering would take a handful (called the memorial portion) and the priest would burn it on the altar (Lv 2:2). The remainder (called the most holy part) was then given to the priests to use for their own consumption (Lv 2:3). Yeast and honey were prohibited (typically representing sin and pride) as this type of sacrifice was to be offered with humility. Salt was a requirement (substance that helped to give it flavor) to represent one’s usefulness when yielded to God.

Israel was dependent upon God for their food supply: they received manna for food when in the wilderness and rain for growth of crops when in Promised Land. Christ’s body represented the true bread from heaven. Christ said about himself: “Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (Jn 6:51). His words demonstrate to us that Christ was the “memorial part” because he offered himself to die on the cross for us. He was also the “most holy part” because we partake of him symbolically as we follow him and his words. Paul said, “. . . Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Ep 4:15). We mature into even thinking like Christ (1Co 2:16) and having his perspective of the world and those around us.

So, by identifying with Christ and becoming more like him, we mature in the faith and operate in the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul put it this way in Colossians 2:14-15: “Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross, and having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” With our maturity comes power that the Holy Spirit gives us to overcome our spiritual enemy, Satan.

The grain offering therefore represents our growth in Christ, or our sanctification.

What other heart transformations are needed? Join me next time as we discuss this train of thought.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens