Text: Deuteronomy 27:1-26
Moses now tells the people that they will write the Laws on large stones, written in plaster, to be located in the midst of the territory (vv.1-8). This symbolized the permanence of Yahweh’s Law. Then an altar was set up, upon which were two types of sacrifices. The first was a burnt offering, symbolising that the sin of the people was removed, and their penalty paid (Lev.1:3-4). The implication here is that the Law was expected to be broken, but God was providing the way of forgiveness and reconciliation. The second offering was the peace offering, indicating that animosity between God and the people, caused by sin, was no more.
Jesus Christ obeyed God’s Law perfectly for His people. Then, upon the altar of the cross, Jesus was our burnt offering, He paid our death penalty for our Law-breaking. We are now at peace with God. Because of God’s mercy to us, we now offer our very own selves to Him as living sacrifices, offering sacrifices of praise (Rom.12:1; Heb.13:15).
Meditate on verse 1 – 8. What is God teaching you in these verses?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, help me always to observe and obey Your commandments. Amen.