"The Animal In You"

This week’s portion, "VAYIKRA", refers to animal sacrifices – which, to many animal lovers, does not make much sense.  The only sense, on a simplistic level, is to turn it into a metaphor.  You see, we have within us a Divine portioned soul and an animal soul.  The animal soul in us can be barbaric.  It can bring out the worst in us, causing us to sometimes be cruel and insensitive; or, as the Apostle Paul refers to: "doing what we would not" - surprising ourselves.

The animal soul is where the inspiration comes from to fight physically or to hurt whomever we must to get ahead.  It would make sense that Hashem would ask for us to offer it up unto Him.  As we read about the animal sacrifices in the Torah, could it be that every animal offered represented the very “inner core” of that person’s animal tendencies?  I would say so, for there is a lesson in that.  Although we know that there are much deeper dimensions to “life-giving life” and to the significance of the shed blood, we must pull from something that can minister to our heart today - and His Spirit helps us to do just that. 

There is an animal (of sorts) within each one of us that must be offered unto G-d (Leviticus 1:1-2).  As end-times unfold, the Scriptures tell us that we will see the animal soul overtake humanity, as people begin to behave out of character in unseemly ways.  So, what do we do?  We do not present an animal for sacrifice, of course; but, rather we, ourselves, run to the altar with the very “core” of our being and offer IT unto Him.  In Torah, we learn that every offering that was brought to Hashem without considering one’s animal heart within – was an offering that became null and void.

Many people serve in ministry and offer their service unto G-d without the offering of the animal within.  They work hard – and, in fact, drown themselves in busyness for G-d; but, they are ruled by their animal instinct and find themselves feeling as if they are serving in vain.  When you serve with the right offering - you feel different.  You may get tired and you may even think something is unfair, but your spiritual sense overcomes your animal sense. 

I believe if we are willing to lay our inner animal soul at the altar, G-d will transform your very being and you will find yourself changing the way you think, act, talk, and love.  You will see your relationships grow healthy; they will feel right and you will detect those that are not right.  You will find yourself truly free!  After all, beloved, when you stop and think about it - this is the season of freedom.  Be free - walk in the freedom of the L-rd.