Have you ever read a verse in the Bible that made you pause and wonder, “What does this mean for me today?” One such verse appears in Numbers 28:7 (NLT):
“Along with it you must present the proper liquid offering of one quart of alcoholic drink with each lamb, poured out in the Holy Place as an offering to the Lord.”
At first glance, this instruction may seem like just another ancient ritual, but when we dig deeper, we find a powerful lesson about worship, sacrifice, and devotion to God.
Understanding the Drink Offering
In Numbers 28, God gives Moses detailed instructions for Israel’s daily, weekly, and festival offerings. These sacrifices were not just about atonement; they were a way for the people to express their devotion, gratitude, and dependence on God.
The drink offering, which was poured out in the Holy Place, was never offered alone. It accompanied burnt and grain offerings:
- The lamb (symbolizing atonement and foreshadowing Christ, the Lamb of God).
- The grain offering (acknowledging God’s provision of daily bread).
- The drink offering (a symbol of joy and complete surrender).
How This Applies to Worship Today
While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle of being “poured out” in worship still applies. Here’s what we can learn from the drink offering:
1. Worship is About Giving, Not Just Receiving
Too often, worship is approached with the mindset of what we get out of it—whether it’s a certain feeling, encouragement, or inspiration. But biblical worship is about giving God our best, not just receiving from Him. The drink offering was poured out completely, showing full devotion. Are we offering our hearts fully to God in worship, or holding something back?
2. Our Lives Are an Offering
The Apostle Paul connected the drink offering to the Christian life of sacrifice:
“Even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” (Philippians 2:17)
Paul saw his life as something to be poured out for God’s purposes, just as the drink offering was completely given. This challenges us: Are we holding back parts of our lives, or are we willing to be fully surrendered to God’s plan?
3. Joy in Sacrificial Worship
Wine, often symbolizing joy and blessing, was used in the drink offering. This reminds us that true worship isn’t about duty alone—it is a joyful act of honoring God with our best. When we pour ourselves out in worship, whether through song, service, or obedience, it should be done with gladness, not reluctance.
How to Be ‘Poured Out’ in Worship Today
- Engage fully in worship. Don’t just go through the motions—give God your whole heart.
- Serve with joy. Like the drink offering, let your service be a joyful sacrifice to God.
- Surrender daily. Each day, ask, “Lord, how can I pour out my life for You today?”
Final Thoughts
Numbers 28:7 is more than an obscure Old Testament law—it’s a beautiful picture of complete devotion. Just as the drink offering was poured out before the Lord, we are called to pour out our worship, our time, our talents, and our very lives as an offering to Him. True worship isn’t about holding back—it’s about giving everything to the One who gave everything for us.
So, the next time you step into worship, whether in a church service or in your daily walk with God, ask yourself: Am I being fully poured out in worship?
