Leviticus, p. 135 You must present it at the entrance to the tent of meeting so that it will be acceptable to the LORD. (Books of the Bible, NIV)
The worshiper, a common farmer or herdsman, must enter into the outer court, ceremonially lays his hands on the sacrificial animal, slay it and prepare the offering (cutting it into pieces). This is hands on worship. The worshiper doesn’t hand over his offering to the priest at the outer “gate.” No he enters into the sanctuary and is intimately involved in the act of worship.
In the fellowship offering (*p. 136f.) a portion (most) is held back for the worshiper to eat, representing communion with God. With the grain offering, a portion is given to the priests (p. 136). Worship is neither a solo act nor an activity exclusively for the religious elite. It is a team sport for the community of faith – in this case the people of Yahweh.
We must avoid the extremes of both religious exclusivity on the one hand, and private (solo) worship on the other. No, everybody gets to play. Its a chance to meet with God, experience intimacy with our creator and we do that in the context of the community of faith – followers of Jesus (the new people of God).
God save me from the extremes of religious elitism and of private religion. I thank You now, here for my brothers and sisters. Come Lord Jesus. Come Holy Spirit, abide with us. We welcome You here.
In Jesus’ name – Amen,
Son