The Offering He Sees

This chapter details the grain offering, a gift of gratitude to God. Instructions are given for an offering of processed, fine flour mixed with costly oil and frankincense (Lev 2:1-3). Yet, God also makes provision for a simpler offering of fresh, roasted heads of grain from the first harvest (Lev 2:14). Both are called a “most holy part of the food offerings presented to the Lord.” The Lord creates space for the one with resources and the one with only the first fruits of their field. The focus is on the act of bringing a gift, not just its material expense.

It is so easy to feel that what you have to offer God is not enough, especially when you look at what others are bringing. But God’s economy is different. The poor widow’s tiny coins were a greater offering than the rich man’s bags of gold because she gave all she had. Your “finest flour” might be a season of strength and abundance, while your “crushed grain” is a simple prayer of trust in a season of lack; He welcomes both when given from a devoted heart. What is the best you can bring to Him today?

God is not measuring the size of your gift, but the posture of your heart as you give it.

Lord Jesus, thank you that you see my heart, not just my hands. Forgive me for comparing my offering to others. Help me give you my best today, whatever that looks like, trusting it is a pleasing aroma to you. Amen.

Frankincense, a key ingredient in the flour offering, was a costly imported resin. Its sweet-smelling smoke ascending from the altar symbolized the worshiper's prayers rising to heaven.