Leviticus 2:14

Green ears of corn. “New grain from fresh ears” (RSV). By “corn” is meant any grain, such as wheat, barley, rye, or oats. Stalks of wheat, with the ears, gathered before they are fully ripe and roasted, are still a favorite food in the East. Such could also be used for a meat offering. Oil was poured on the ears of corn, with frankincense; the “memorial” portion was burned on the altar, and the remainder given to the priest.

Perhaps the bruised grain here typifies Him who was bruised for us, and by whose stripes we are healed (Isa. 53:5).

The various meat offerings present Christ as the life-giver and upholder, the One through and in whom “we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). As burnt offerings stood for consecration of the life, so meat offerings called for consecration of one’s means. The dedication of one’s means should be preceded by a dedication of life. A dedication of the life without a dedication of one’s means is not provided for in the gospel; neither is a dedication of means without a dedication of life. The two must go together. Combined, they constitute a complete sacrifice, pleasing to God, “a sweet savour unto the Lord” (Lev. 1:9).

The idea of stewardship needs emphasis. Some bear the name of Christ and loudly profess holiness and devotion to God, but their works do not correspond to their profession. The purse strings are held tightly, appeals go unheeded, and God’s cause languishes. Such need to understand that entire consecration of the life includes also consecration of one’s means.

It would be incorrect, however, to conclude that a consecration of one’s means is all that God requires, and that liberal giving will smooth the way to heaven. We are to consecrate ourselves to Him. We are responsible to God for every talent He has entrusted to us, whether of means, time, or natural gifts. Of all these we are stewards, and God is the rightful Master. Talents such as song, music, speech, and leadership all belong to God. They must be dedicated to Him; they must be put on the altar.

The “meat” offerings are replete with spiritual lessons for the devout soul. All we are should be dedicated to God; all we have should be on the altar. “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened” (1 Cor. 5:7). “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Col. 4:6). “Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another” (Mark 9:50). Finally, in the service of God we may not substitute our own inventions and methods for the plans of God, though they may be sweet as honey to our own taste.