WEEKLY REFLECTION by Pastor Lap Dinh on Leviticus 1–3

It’s arguably one of the most difficult books to read and connect with our present life. Let me attempt breaking it down for us.

At first glance, we may feel distant—animals, altars, smoke. However, beneath all that detail is a very important theological question: How do sinful humanity like us come close to a holy God without being rejected?

God doesn’t leave Israel guessing. He teaches them slowly and patiently through offerings.

First, the burnt offering comes first. It’s intense. Everything goes on the altar. Nothing is saved for later (Leviticus 1:9). It’s God’s way of saying that drawing near doesn’t start with control or negotiation. It starts with surrender. Not half a life, not a careful portion—all of it. When we look at Jesus, we see this lived out perfectly (Ephesians 5:2): “Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…” He didn’t hold anything back—not His time, not His comfort, and not His life.

Second, the grain offering slows things down. No blood. No drama. Just flour, oil, salt—the stuff of daily work. God is teaching His people that He cares about more than big spiritual moments. He wants their ordinary days too. “You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing” (Leviticus 2:13). Faithfulness isn’t showy. It’s steady. Jesus fulfills this offering as well. He calls Himself “the bread of life” (John 6:35), because His whole human life, with every step and every choice, was lived before the Father in trust and obedience.

Third, there’s the peace offering. God receives the best portion, and then everyone eats together. Sacrifice feeds fellowship. Fear becomes obsolete, and joy is heightened. “All fat is the LORD’s” (Leviticus 3:16), but the meal is shared. In Christ, this becomes true peace. “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). He does not only bring us forgiveness, but also brings us to the table—feasting in His presence.

In the light of Jesus Christ, these offerings show a beautiful painting: a life given, a life lived, and a life shared with God in Christ Jesus. What Israel practiced again and again, Jesus fulfilled once and for all. And now, in Him, we are invited to draw near—not in a fearful or anxious way, but with trust, gratitude, and joy. Because His perfect love casts out all fear. Amen.