“‘And if you offer a sacrifice of a peace offering to the Lord, you shall offer it of your own free will.”
Leviticus 19:5 NKJV
This verse leapt off the page at me today – IF you offer a “sacrifice of peace offering”…It must be of your own free will. “If” you offer it – not when you offer it – do it willingly.
The Hebrew word used for peace offering is šelem and means a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks and a sacrifice showing an alliance for friendship, specifically showing friendship between G-d and man.
Such a powerful thought! When I bring a šelem, pronounced sheh’-lem, freely and willingly from my heart, it is a type of holy offering to Him and an expression of my friendship with Him.
Robert Emmons, leading scientific researcher and expert on the science of gratitude defines gratitude as “an affirmation of goodness. We affirm that there are good things in the world, gifts and benefits we’ve received.” True gratitude is far more than the rote or conditioned “thank you” we say when someone holds the door for us or helps us with something. It is a deep awareness and recognition of goodness bestowed upon us.
The Greater Good Science Center, a part of UC Berkeley, has a deep repository on the proven benefits of a “gratitude practice.” Research studies by non-Christian scientists have identified many physical benefits of a gratitude practice. One study sited improvements such as an increase in brain activity in the decision center of the brain and a significant decrease in both blood pressure and heart rate were observed when participants incorporated a regular practice of gratitude into their daily routine for just 3 months. If intentionally giving thanks and expressing gratitude is good for our physical bodies, imagine how a peace offering brought before THE King of the Universe benefit to our spirit!!
When expressing gratitude depends on how I “feel” or what I’m experiencing, it can feel like a sacrifice. Sometimes it’s hard to dig up gratitude when I feel buried. But, ironically, gratitude is the light that will lead me out of the darkness that surrounds me and lighten the heaviness I feel.
When “šelem” becomes a lifestyle, when I intentionally affirm His goodness to me, I am transformed.
He won’t force me to come. He doesn’t demand it of me. He simply desires me. He is just that good.
Father – transform my heart. I am undone by Your goodness to me. You’ve healed me and redeemed me. You’ve restored me and given me Your favor. You made a way and gave Your Son for me just because You love me. You are truly good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and I fully trust You. Amen.
Daily Reading: Leviticus 19-21