1885 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

epresented by the offering on the altar, of the fat and parts of theinward life-producing organism, as a "sweet savor" unto the Lord.Other features of the same consecration are shown by the two ramsmentioned in verses 18 and 22. The first mentioned is the ram forthe Burnt-offering. Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon itshead, thus indicating that it represented them. It was killed; itsblood sprinkled the altar; and Moses "cut the ram into pieces, andwashed the inwards and legs in water" and "burnt the head andpieces, and the fat." Thus Jesus and his body, the Church, are beingpresented before God on the altar, during the entire Gospel Age.The head was laid there first, and since, all who are "dead withhim," and cleansed, as in the type, by the washing of water--through the Word. Its burning on the altar shows how God acceptsthis sacrifice. It is "a sweet smelling savor."The second ram, "the ram of consecration," shows what effect thesacrifice will have upon us, as the first showed how God receivedit. Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon its head--it representedthem. And Moses slew it and took its blood (consecrated life) andput it upon each separately, thus showing that consecration is anindividual work. And he put it upon the tip of the right ear, thumbof right hand, and great toe of right foot. Thus, by our consecration,we are enabled to have the "hearing of faith" and to appreciateGod's promises as none but the consecrated can. Our hands areconsecrated, so that whatsoever our hands find to do, we do it withour might as unto the Lord. Our feet are consecrated, so thathenceforth "we walk not as other Gentiles," but "walk in newnessof life," "walk by faith," "walk in the spirit," "walk in the light," andeven "as ye received Christ, so walk in him." Vs. 23,24.The choice portions of the ram, its "inwards" and "fat," representingour best powers, were taken in the hands of the priests and waved;passed to and fro, before the Lord, representing the fact that aconsecrated offering is not given the Lord for the moment, or day,or year, but continually we keep our affections and powers upliftedbefore our Father, never ceasing until accepted of him as havingfinished our course. And Moses took them off their hands, God'sacceptance being shown by fire. So we may not lay down or ceaseto offer our every power in God's service while we have them, anduntil all are consumed in His service. When the love ("fat") of ourinmost being is laid upon the altar, it helps to increase the fire ofGod's acceptance. The more love there is connected with ourconsecration to God, the more quickly will it be accepted by him.Upon this "wave offering," while in their hands, were laid threecakes from a basketful. This offering was laid by Moses upon thehands of both high and under priests.The first unleavened cake, represented the actual purity of Jesus asa man, and the imputed purity of the Church as men, as attested bythe Law (Moses). The second unleavened cake mingled with oil,represented the indwelling spirit of God--Sanctification. The third a