Good morning!
Today is a reflection day.
We have arrived at the book of the Bible that many say is the ruin of their attempt to read through – the book of Leviticus. Indeed, the opening four chapters seem pretty gruesome and tedious as they give the instructions for all sorts and manner of sacrifices. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that “all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training up in righteousness.” If that’s true, then even these verses in Leviticus are useful. So- the question becomes, “What should I get out of this?” I offer two interesting details, and a generalization.
1. A detail: In Chapter 2 we read about the grain offering – an expression of thanksgiving and dedication to God. We find these words:
“…the priest shall burn this as its memorial portion on the altar, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord.”
When we express our thanks and devotion to the Lord, He is pleased. Our worship is as a sweet aroma. Good news!
2. Another detail: All the sin offerings in Chapter 4 are for unintentional sin (check out verses 2, 13, 23 and 27). We are accountable and guilty of even the things we do without meaning to. Just imagine God’s view of the wrong stuff we chose to do. Uh oh!
3. A generalization: The LORD gives page after page of detailed instructions for the sacrifice of very valuable live animals for the sin of humans. Sin is awful, and always costly. The Israelites must pay with livestock, and the animals give their lives. The wages of sin is death (Ro 6:23), so for sin to be paid for, there must be death. Hebrews 9:22 says, “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” All the sacrifice, all the blood, in Leviticus is overwhelming to the reader. The big message is that our sin is huge, and the resultant debt will drown us. There must be a better way. And there is – Jesus’ blood was shed once for all that we might be forgiven. Amen.
in Him, Mike