The Candid Christian

Reading Leviticus chapters 22 and 23 stirred a deep reminder in my heart about the weight God places on offerings, rest, and holy rhythms.

These chapters are not just about rules—they reveal God’s heart for honour, order, and intentional devotion.

The Heart Behind Offerings

Leviticus 22 emphasizes that offerings to God were never meant to be casual or careless. They were to be brought properly, intentionally, and with reverence, because offerings were not just gifts—they were expressions of honour and gratitude.

“When you bring a thanksgiving offering to the Lord, sacrifice it properly so you will be accepted.” — Leviticus 22:29 (NLT)

This reminded me of a powerful truth: how we give matters just as much as what we give.

Scripture says that the gift of a man makes room for him, and we see this principle echoed throughout the Bible. Different offerings existed because different expressions of honour existed. Even today, our offerings—whether of time, resources, service, or worship—carry weight before God.

I was also reminded of Solomon, who gave God an offering that had never been given before, and God responded by doing for him what had never been done before in his generation. There is something deeply spiritual about sacrificial giving that stretches beyond routine.

The Discipline of Rest

Leviticus 23 shifts the focus to rest and God’s appointed times. God intentionally built rest into the rhythm of His people—not as a suggestion, but as a command.

“You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of complete rest, an official day for holy assembly.” — Leviticus 23:3 (NLT)

Rest was not inactivity; it was devotion. A sacred pause to realign with God.

In a world that celebrates busyness, this chapter reminds me that rest is obedience, not laziness. God values our ability to stop, gather, and acknowledge Him just as much as our productivity.

Festivals and Sacred Rhythm

God also established festivals—set times for remembrance, thanksgiving, repentance, and celebration. These were moments intentionally placed in the calendar to keep His people spiritually aligned and conscious of His presence.

“These are the Lord’s appointed festivals, the official days for holy assembly that are to be celebrated at their proper times each year.” — Leviticus 23:4 (NLT)

What stood out to me is that God is deeply intentional about timing. He cares not only about what we do, but when and how we do it. Our faith is meant to have rhythm—not chaos.

A Personal Reflection

Leviticus 22–23 is reminding me that God desires:

• Intentional offerings
• Honourable worship
• Obedient rest
• A life structured around Him

It’s an invitation to examine not just my actions, but my posture—how I give, how I rest, and how I honour God in the ordinary rhythms of life.