V. LAYING HANDS ON THE HEAD OF THE OFFERING
The one who offered the peace offering was to lay his hand on the head of the offering (3:2, 8, 13). This signifies the union of the offerer with the offering. Instead of the word “union,” perhaps we should use the word “identification.” Through the laying on of hands, the offerer is identified with the offering.
Concerning this, we should be careful about saying that Christ replaces us. Our relationship with Christ is not a matter of replacement; it is a matter of identification. It is even more than union. Thus the word union cannot fully convey the truth regarding our fellowship with Christ. Our fellowship with Christ is a matter of identification, a matter of us becoming Him and of Him becoming us. We and Christ are one. We become Him and He becomes us. We should therefore change our concept concerning replacement. To be replaced by Christ means that we are removed altogether. Our relationship with Christ is a matter not of replacement but of being one with Him.
VI. SLAUGHTERED AT THE DOOR OF THE TENT OF MEETING
The peace offering was slaughtered at the door of the tent of meeting (vv. 2, 8, 13). This signifies that Christ was slain on the earth and before God.
Today we may enjoy Christ here on earth. Do not wait to go to heaven to enjoy Christ. Enjoy Christ on earth, right where you are today. There is a proverb which says that distant water cannot quench our thirst. If Christ were only in heaven, He would not have anything to do with us. Today we are enjoying Christ on earth, in the very place where we are.
VII. THE BLOOD DASHED ON THE ALTAR ALL AROUND
The blood of the peace offering was dashed on the altar all around (vv. 2, 8, 13). This indicates that the blood is for peace in the offerer’s conscience.
This blood was not brought into the Holy of Holies to appease God; it was dashed around the altar where the offerer was standing. This shows us that the blood of the peace offering gives us peace and assurance. When we see the blood of the peace offering, we have the assurance that our sins have been washed away. The blood of the offering was shed for our sake, and it is now before our eyes. Therefore, we can say, “Thank You, Lord. My sins have been forgiven. I know this because I see Your blood. The blood is the evidence that God has forgiven my sins.”
VIII. ALL THE FAT THAT COVERS THE INWARDS, THE TWO KIDNEYS AND THE FAT ON THEM, THE APPENDAGE ON THE LIVER, AND THE ENTIRE FAT TAIL TO BE BURNED ON THE ALTAR
All the fat that covered the inwards, the two kidneys and the fat on them, the appendage on the liver, and the entire fat tail were to be burned on the altar (vv. 3-5, 9-11, 14-16). This signifies that God should be the first enjoyer, enjoying the first, the best part, of the offering. The best part of the peace offering is God’s portion.
IX. AS FOOD OF THE OFFERING BY FIRE
“The priest shall offer them up in smoke on the altar; it is the food of the offering by fire for a satisfying fragrance” (v. 16). This signifies that the peace offering is a kind of burnt offering (1:9, 13, 17) as food to God for His satisfaction and enjoyment.
X. THE BREAST AND THE RIGHT THIGH OF THE OFFERING FOR THE PRIESTS
The breast and the right thigh of the offering were for the priests (7:30-34). This signifies that all the believers who serve God as priests may enjoy Christ with God and may enjoy Him as the loving ability and standing strength. When we eat the breast of Christ, we have His loving ability. We love others and are concerned for them in love. When we eat the thigh of Christ, we have the strength to stand.
XI. THE FAT AND THE BLOOD OF THE OFFERING NOT TO BE EATEN BY THE PRIESTS
The fat and the blood of the offering were not to be eaten by the priests. “It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations wherever you dwell, that you shall not eat any fat or any blood” (3:17). Not eating the fat and the blood signifies that the best part of Christ is for God’s satisfaction and that His blood for our redemption satisfies God’s requirements. So in the universe only Jesus’ blood is edible to His believers.
(Life-Study of Leviticus, Chapter 17, by Witness Lee)
