Scripture:
Numbers 15:25-31
‘Then the priest shall make atonement for all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and they will be forgiven; for it was an error, and they have brought their offering, an offering by fire to the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their error.
’So all the congregation of the sons of Israel will be forgiven, with the alien who sojourns among them, for it happened to all the people through error.
’Also if one person sins unintentionally, then he shall offer a one year old female goat for a sin offering.
’The priest shall make atonement before the LORD for the person who goes astray when he sins unintentionally, making atonement for him that he may be forgiven.
’You shall have one law for him who does anything unintentionally, for him who is native among the sons of Israel and for the alien who sojourns among them.
’But the person who does anything defiantly, whether he is native or an alien, that one is blaspheming the LORD; and that person shall be cut off from among his people.
’Because he has despised the word of the LORD and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt will be on him.’”
Observation:
The LORD makes a way to atone for unintentional sin. However, intentional, deliberate, defiant sin (DIS-obedience) wasn’t covered under the law. This was considered blasphemy.
Application:
One thing I have noticed over the past few days of reading is that God doesn’t expect perfection, He expects obedience. If we live in obedience, He is pleased—He also provided atonement for sin, but not defiant disobedience. Jesus was the once-for-all sacrifice and once you know Jesus, He changes your heart and your desires so that you no longer DESIRE to sin (You still will….) and when you do, it’s not out of defiant disobedience, and there is remorse for it.
Prayer:
God, help me to be obedient and to rest in Your provision of atonement when I do fall short. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
This was a good day!