Repetition

On the twelfth day Ahira son of Enan, leader of the tribe of Naphtali, presented his offering.  His offering consisted of a silver platter weighing 3-1⁄4 pounds and a silver basin weighing 1-3⁄4 pounds (as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel).  These were both filled with grain offerings of choice flour moistened with olive oil.  He also brought a gold container weighing four ounces, which was filled with incense.  He brought a young bull, a ram, and a one-year-old male lamb for a burnt offering, and a male goat for a sin offering.  For a peace offering he brought two bulls, five rams, five male goats, and five one-year-old male lambs.  This was the offering brought by Ahira son of Enan. [Exodus 7.78-83]

While there is no uncertain tedious repetition of the offerings brought by the leaders of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, there is also a completeness about it as well.  Throughout the Bible, repetition always represents assurance.  It would seem important therefore to be mindful that these offerings are significant - if not for the value of each one but perhaps for the repetition of it.

One thing is certain: they were not each doing "his own thing"!  But instead, each tribe stayed true to protocol.

Maybe Christ followers today could learn from this. 

Or, perhaps since Jesus removed the veil that separated man and God, we are supposed to "do our own thing."  Maybe?

Father, help me to ascertain the significance of each tribe bringing exactly the same offerings to You.  Help me to know if there is something for the NT Church to learn from it.