The Lord gave instructions for six specific offerings that the priests were to make on behalf of the people:
". . . the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering and the fellowship offering" (Leviticus 7:38).
Instructions for the burnt offering were given first and it was the only offering that was not to be eaten by the priests. It was to be totally consumed on the altar:
“Give Aaron and his sons this command: 'These are the regulations for the burnt offering: The burnt offering is to remain on the altar hearth throughout the night, till morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar'" (Leviticus 6:9).
Why wasn't the burnt offering to be consumed? It was the only offering that was for God and God alone. It was specifically to restore the people's fellowship and relationship with God because He was to be the first priority in the hearts and minds of the people. The same is true for believers today.
As you carry out your purpose and express your creativity, you will do what you do for the benefit of others. Yet your motivation for what you do must not be for the people. First and foremost, it must be for the Lord because it is His will and will please Him. That means when people ignore, disrespect, misuse, abuse, or take advantage of your good deeds, as they often do, you are to continue to do the good and purposeful things you have been assigned to do for the Lord and for Him only.
Remember, Jesus was sent to His own but rejected by His own, yet He continued in His mission because it was a burnt offering—He did it primarily because it was the Father's will, which Jesus willingly chose to do. You follow in His footsteps when you pick up your cross and do the same.
Are you doing what you do for the Lord and not for others? Where have people problems caused you to back off doing what only you can do? Are you angry or hurt over the lack of gratitude or recognition from those you work for or serve? Do you see that your fire must not go out and that you must do what you do for Him regardless of the response (or lack of it) from others?
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