S) "24 Also the fat of an animal which dies and the fat of an animal torn by beasts may be put to any other use, but you must certainly not eat it."
Leviticus 7:24 (NASB)
O) The command against eating fat is repeated here (see Leviticus 3:17), only now Moses and the Israelites have a more complete instruction (if not any additional explanation). But, the people are given an allowance to use the fat for any other purposes (fuel to burn, oil for a squeaky wheel, etc.). By clarifying these two points, God is making it clear that the fat itself is not the issue. The true concern is about the action, and what is represented. If the fat were always holy, He would not allow it to be used in any other way (e.g. see Exodus 30:36-37) . If it was simply the fat of a sacrifice that was the concern, then there would have been no address about the animals torn by beasts. But, tying these concepts together, we see that God wanted fat to be cooked (of a sort) only as sacrifice to Himself, to keep it holy. But, the fat was only holy, if it was part of a sacrifice.
A) God makes it very clear, throughout the Bible, that objects are just objects. It is their use that concerns Him. What I am doing with what He gives me, is a far greater concern than the objects of what He gives me. There is nothing inherently holy about a pillow. But, if I used the same pillow everyday, to kneel down and pray, then that pillow would become very special. It would not be magic, or even anointed by the LORD, but it would be special because my actions would make it special. I cannot allow myself to get tricked into thinking any objects are special in and of themselves. It is only when they are used for great things, that things become great.
P) Father, I am truly blessed. It is not the things You've given me, but the love I have. It is not the needs that are met, but the relationship I have with You, Father God, that shows me I am blessed. Help me keep things straight, Lord. Help me to see objects as tools to serve greater purposes. I will keep my faith in You alone, God. Help me to teach my children the same thing, and lead my family to honor You with how we use the things You've given us. Be glorified. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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