Chapter 3
This next offering is something truly special. As we reflect on the Old Testament offerings, it’s important to remember that each one is a shadow—a reflection—of Jesus, who was to come. These offerings are no longer about the process or method as much as they were about the purpose behind them. The key is understanding the heart behind each one.
This particular offering is often called the Fellowship Offering, though I personally prefer calling it the Peace Offering. It was voluntary—given either between individuals or by a person alone with God. It expressed gratitude, thankfulness, and a desire for deeper connection. No matter who was involved, God was always included, because He is the source and sustainer of our peace.
There’s one major truth this offering highlight: True peace can only be found in and with God, our Father.
One part of this offering that really stood out to me was the mention of fat. God gets the fat. At first glance, that might sound funny or insignificant—but in the context of that time, fat was the best part. It was the richest, most flavorful, most desirable portion. And not just the obvious fat, but the deepest fat within the body.
This is symbolic. God doesn’t just want what’s good—He wants the best. The deepest part of us. He wants our wholehearted worship, not just what’s convenient or easy.
Living in a land of abundance, we often equate giving with financial generosity. And while writing a check or swiping a card is meaningful, we need to ask: Is this really my best?
That question challenged me. Truthfully, it’s often easier for me to give money than to give the deeper parts of myself. But the “fat” of our lives—the best part—might not be our bank account.
It might be:
- Your talent – Are you using your gifts to glorify God and serve others? Do you have a voice, a skill, or a craft that could lift others up in worship or service?
- Your intelligence – Maybe you’re sharp in business or strategy, but haven’t yet used those strengths to disciple others or build God’s Kingdom.
- Your time – Do you give your energy to career or goals, but struggle to offer your time to you.
So, I leave you with this challenge: What is the “fat” portion of your life? What’s the deepest, best part of who you are—and are you offering it to God? Reflect and pray on how you might present that part of yourself as an offering to the One who gave His best—Himself—to bring us peace. family, church, or community?
The Fellowship Offering (or Peace Offering)
1 ” ‘If your offering is a fellowship offering, and you offer an animal from the herd, whether male or female, you are to present before the LORD an animal without defect. 2 You are to lay your hand on the head of your offering [symbolizing the sincerity of your heart] and slaughter it at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splash the blood against the sides of the altar. [always remembering Jesus on the cross: The author of our Peace] 3 From the fellowship offering you are to bring a food offering to the LORD: the internal organs and all the fat that is connected to them, 4 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which you will remove with the kidneys. 5 Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar on top of the burnt offering that is lying on the burning wood; it is a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD.
6 ” ‘If you offer an animal from the flock as a fellowship offering to the LORD, you are to offer a male or female without defect. [this offering is not about atonement for sin, rather a celebration of unity and gratitude. By allowing both genders it speaks to in inclusivity of Jesus of everyone.] 7 If you offer a lamb, you are to present it before the LORD, 8 lay your hand on its head and slaughter it in front of the tent of meeting. Then Aaron’s sons shall splash its blood against the sides of the altar. 9 From the fellowship offering you are to bring a food offering to the LORD: its fat, the entire fat tail cut off close to the backbone, the internal organs and all the fat that is connected to them, 10 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which you will remove with the kidneys. 11 The priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering presented to the LORD.
12 ” ‘If your offering is a goat, you are to present it before the LORD, 13 lay your hand on its head and slaughter it in front of the tent of meeting. Then Aaron’s sons shall splash its blood against the sides of the altar. 14 From what you offer you are to present this food offering to the LORD: the internal organs and all the fat that is connected to them, 15 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which you will remove with the kidneys. 16 The priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s.
17 ” ‘This is a lasting ordinance [Hebrew: huqqa. A law, rule, custom for a specific place or people only.] for the generations to come,[Hebrew: dor. Means a linear space of time. It has a beginning and end.] wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.’ “
