Leviticus 4-5; Psalm 52

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Leviticus 4-5; Psalm 52

Verses chosen for meditation: Leviticus 4:32,34

32"If he brings a lamb as his offering for a sin offering, he shall bring a female without blemish 34Then the priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger and put in on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and pour out all the rest of its blood at the base of the altar.

Reflect

The above 2 chapters of Leviticus touch on the offering of animal sacrifices as atonement for one's sin and guilt. Both are requisite offerings, required under specific circumstances and in connection with the transgression of God's laws.

For instance, sin offerings are required when an individual commits a sin against God unintentionally. The text has delineated different sin offerings for different people groups within the community, from the priest to the elder, and finally to the individual.

Guilt offerings, on the other hand, are meant for specific transgressions such as the violation of the sanctity of God's altar, or when an individual is unsure of whether or not he or she has sinned, or the sin that was committed.

The basic animal sacrifice for an individual who sins or who's guilty of transgression is a female lamb or ram (male adult lamb) respectively. These animals are to be without defects at the time of the offering. The part of the animal that's used for the sacrifice is essentially the blood.

Relate

What is it about blood that makes it so important? Anyone who is depleted of blood will die for sure. For blood carries vital nutrients especially oxygen to the whole body. The organs of the body depend on a good circulation of blood for the maintenance of their functions. 

In the same way, the life of a creature lies in its blood. The 'blood' makes an atonement at the cost of the creature's life. In this case, a she - lamb or ram. At the same time, the atonement is made in place of the sinner or transgressor, bringing about 'death' on one hand and 'rebirth' on the other. The whole process resembles that of an exchange (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

Everything about the Old Testament points toward the Great Sacrifice that was to come. The sacrifice that was to beat all other sacrifices, by covering for both sin and guilt, and being available to all men and women, young and old. 

Since his 'death' is for all (Romans 6:10), the whole world (1John 2:2), there's no more need now for a she - lamb or ram offering. Animals are no longer needed as sacrifices. The Great Sacrifice has paid it all with his own blood. The death of one has truly become life for many. 

The whole equation is rather straightforward. If anyone sins or transgresses (breaks the rule), a penalty is meted out unless he or she gets a pardon. This is non - negotiable with the holy and righteous God. But it is superseded by the love of God when Christ became the ultimate Great Sacrifice, once and for all. Herein lies the heart of the gospel, which is the depth of God’s love. And the magnanimity of his grace. 

Granted that the gospel is truth. But the gospel is also love. While truth compromises not, love sacrifices. And its 'blood' purifies you and me (Hebrews 9:22). On this account, and as is written in 2 Corinthians 5:14, the love of Christ should be the driving force behind all that we do. 

So that even if the truth of the gospel seems too hard for some to swallow at first, not least the part, which says that Christ is the only way, the truth and the life, the love of the gospel should thaw even the most frozen heart. 

Therefore, if it’s true that Christ's blood courses through our veins because of the exchange, then his love should compel us to be the living gospel unto others.

Rest

Lord, thank you for dying in our place. Because of your precious redeeming blood, our sins are washed as white as snow. Let us now be the living example of your love.

Naville Chia