The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Command the people of Israel and say to them, My offering, my food for my food offerings, my pleasing aroma, you shall be careful to offer to me at its appointed time.” Numbers 28:1-2 (ESV)
Do you think God ever has hunger pains? At first glance this question has an obvious answer; no. We know that God is not confined to a human body, he is spirit (John 4:24). He has no need for food. God is self-existent and does not need any outside source to assist him in sustaining life (Psalm 50:12-13). However, though he is not physically dependent on food, there is a burning hunger in God that he actively seeks to satisfy, his own glory.
As the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness God gave Moses specific instructions as to the sacrifices they were to offer. The offerings that were acceptable to God were ones without spot or blemish. They were of the best of the flock and had to be brought willingly. God also told Moses to make sure the offerings were brought at the appointed times (Numbers 28).
God is hungry for our special gifts. He feeds from our daily offerings or sacrifices. The meal that satisfies the Father’s hunger begins with a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Another course in the Father’s meal is the sacrifices of a broken heart and contrite spirit (Isaiah 57:15; 66:2). David wrote, The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51:17 ESV) God’s hunger is not fully satisfied until he has smelled the aroma and tasted the delicacy of the sacrifice of giving to others. The writer of Hebrews said, Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Hebrews 13:16 ESV)
The writer of Hebrews also wrote, Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. (Hebrews 13:15 ESV) The “him” he is referring to is Jesus. Jesus himself became the sacrifice by which our sacrifices are made acceptable. Without the shedding of his blood it would be impossible for our sacrifices to satisfy the hunger of the Father (Hebrews 13:12). Jesus taught that our offerings (worship) should be presented in spirit and truth and that the Father is seeking those people who sacrifice in this way (John 4:23).
God has a perpetual hunger for relationship with his children. God’s food is our continual living sacrifices of a broken spirit, a contrite heart, our service to others and a praise of thanksgiving offered in spirit and truth acknowledging his name (Psalm 116:17).
Peter exhorted us, You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5 ESV)
What kind of meals do you serve the Father? Would your offerings leave him starving or satisfied?
Scriptures for meditation:
Psalm 4:5; 50:14, 23; 54:6
Philippians 4:18