The concept of the "Memorial Offering" is rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system, primarily found within the Levitical laws. It is a specific type of offering that serves as a remembrance before God, often associated with grain offerings. The Hebrew term for memorial is "azkarah," which signifies a portion of the offering that is burned on the altar as a fragrant aroma to the Lord, symbolizing the worshiper's desire to be remembered by God.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 2:2 : "and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the fine flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

2. Leviticus 2:9 : "The priest is to remove the memorial portion from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

3. Leviticus 6:15 : "The priest is to take a handful of fine flour from the grain offering, with its oil and all its frankincense, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

Purpose and Significance:

The Memorial Offering is a subset of the grain offering, which is a voluntary act of worship, expressing devotion and thanksgiving to God. The memorial portion, specifically, is the part of the offering that is burned on the altar, signifying the worshiper's prayer for God to remember them favorably. This act of remembrance is not because God forgets, but rather it is a symbolic gesture of the worshiper's faith and reliance on God's covenant promises.

Components of the Memorial Offering:

· Fine Flour: Represents the best of the worshiper's produce, symbolizing purity and dedication.
· Oil: Often used in anointing, oil signifies the presence and blessing of the Holy Spirit.
· Frankincense: A costly and fragrant resin, frankincense represents prayer and the desire for the offering to be a pleasing aroma to God.

Theological Implications:

The Memorial Offering underscores the importance of remembrance in the relationship between God and His people. It highlights the covenantal aspect of worship, where the worshiper seeks to be in right standing with God through acts of devotion and obedience. The offering is a tangible expression of faith, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty.

In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of memorial is seen in various forms, such as the Passover (Exodus 12:14) and the stones of remembrance (Joshua 4:7). These acts serve to remind the people of God's mighty works and faithfulness throughout history.

New Testament Reflection:

While the specific practice of the Memorial Offering is not carried over into the New Testament, the principle of remembrance is evident in the Lord's Supper. Jesus instructs His disciples to partake in the bread and wine "in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19), establishing a new covenantal act of remembrance centered on His sacrificial death and resurrection.

The Memorial Offering, therefore, serves as a precursor to the ultimate act of remembrance found in Christ's atoning work, where believers are called to remember and proclaim the Lord's death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26).