THE TYPICAL PEACE-OFFERING.
By John O. Corliss
The peace-offering of the Hebrew ceremonies differed from all the other sacrifices of that system, in that it permitted the one presenting it to choose whether it should be from the herd or flock, or whether it should be male or female. Lev. 3: 1, 7, 12. But while he might select the kind of creature to be offered, its condition must be just what had been divinely prescribed, namely, “without blemish.” Otherwise the offering was not acceptable to God. Any superfluous appendage, as a wart, or a bit of scurf, or any unseemly mark, would place the intended offering in the rejected list. To have any part lacking, as the tip of an ear or the point of the tail, would destroy the availability of the creature as a peace-offering. Not even a bruise, however slight, or a tiny scratch, could be received of God in this ceremony. Lev. 22: 21-24. There was a good reason for this. When a man voluntarily selects a gift for another whom he highly esteems, he does not think of choosing something of an ordinary nature, much less something defective or unseemly. He would not risk the mortification of having such a gift peremptorily refused. Were God to receive from those over whom He reigns a defective gift which an earthly prince would despise and refuse, it would not be long before the earthly would be rated above the heavenly, and the influence that should control the minds of men would lose its potency, and so come to be despised. God would have the honor rendered Him which is His due, and He will in no wise give countenance to anything which would detract from that glory. Mal. 1: 6, 7, 13, 14. There were several motives for rendering peace-offerings. One of these was to manifest thanksgiving for mercies and blessings received; another was to record some vow; and still another was simply to make a voluntary sacrifice. Lev. 7: 15, 16. These were presented, however, at the same place, and in nearly the same manner, as other burnt-offerings. Lev. 3: 2-5. But there were some variations, by which the design of the offering might be seen. For instance, if thanksgiving was the design of the sacrifice, then there accompanied it an offering of unleavened cakes, kneaded in oil, besides plain cakes, with oil applied to the outside. Lev. 7: 11-13. A peace-offering is still one of God’s requirements. When the carnal heart, which has so long been at war with Heaven’s requirements, desires to conform to the ways of God’s kingdom, the surrender of that heart as a peace-offering to Him becomes an absolute prerequisite to that end. Thus yielding to God and confessing sin brings unqualified forgiveness thru the merits of the Lord Jesus. I John 1: 7, 9. Being thereby justified, or pronounced innocent, thru his faith in Jesus Christ, one already has peace with God, and access to heavenly grace, so that he may rejoice in hope of eternal glory. Rom. 5: 1, 2. When once in such case, we should then “offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually,” thru laudation of His holy name, for mercies constantly received. Ps. 107: 19, 20, 28, 37, 38; Heb. 13: 15. This peace of God can not be understood, because its greatness passes all human understanding. Phil. 4: 7. One may, however, be filled with it to his utmost capacity (Rom. 15: 13), and so have his heart and mind preserved in purity for the service of the Lord Jesus. This will be a most satisfactory condition, because, being in perfect harmony with every rhythmic motion of heaven’s order, the thrill of heavenly sentiment will fill the very soul with recompensive joy. A peace brought to us thru earthly measures or on human terms, could not possibly do this, because it would be as inconsistent as the basis upon which it rested. No human peace can therefore be adequate to meet the demands of men in their heavenly connection. As fallen man does not, because he can not, understand the perfection of heaven, so the peace which will suffice to harmonize his mind with those infinitely pure and holy things, must be one that rises above his understanding. Such a peace he is incapable of arranging for himself. But in this lack he is not left unsupplied. Jesus says, “My peace I give unto you.” John 14: 27. He does not give it as the world makes a gift, to be withdrawn upon a slight notion, but being a gift of His love it must remain co-existent with that eternal attribute. So, then, in Him we have peace. In the world we are promised tribulation; but we are exhorted-even under this to be of good cheer, because He who bequeathes to us His peace with God, has been thru all this, and overcome it in our behalf. John 16: 33. Not only will the Lord always give to His followers peace “by all means” (2 Thess. 3: 16), but those who put their trust in Him, He will keep in “perfect peace.” Isa. 26: 3. J. O. CORLISS.