NUMBERS 7; PSALM 79

 READ: Numbers 7: Psalm 79

Verses chosen for Meditation: Numbers 7: 13-16

And his offering was one silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels, one silver basin of 70 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; ¹⁴ one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of incense; ¹⁵ one bull from the herd, one ram, one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; ¹⁶ one male goat for a sin offering;  

REFLECT

Moses had just finished setting up the tabernacle and consecrated the utensils. The chiefs of the 12 tribes of Israel then approached Moses and gave, for the use of the Tabernacle, wagons and oxen for moving the Tabernacle for the Hebrews as they travelled in the wilderness, as well as animals and grain for offerings. Of the 12 chiefs of the tribes, each would take a day to offer their sacrifices. Each day's sacrifice was lavish, as the respective tribes celebrated the dedication of the altar.

Among the sacrifices was a male goat for a sin offering. Even in the midst of celebrating the consecration of the Tabernacle, the Hebrews offered a sacrifice for sin. Within the Hebrews' consciousness, the reality of their sinfulness was ever present. Even in worship and celebration, the Hebrews were painfully aware that they were sinful while God is Holy, and that they needed forgiveness. This consciousness of sin is best reflected in King David's prayer in Psalm 51:3 where he says, "My sin is ever before me". 

RELATE

Because our Lord Jesus Christ has brought forgiveness to us by His sacrifice of Himself on the cross, we no longer have to offer sacrifices to atone for our sin. We have already been forgiven. Yet, it is important that we be always conscious of our sin. And to confess the sin that we have committed against God and one another. When we sin against another person, we hurt that person. Even when the other person forgives us, the wound has been inflicted. Our being aware that we have wounded that person and our acknowledging our sin brings healing to that person and to our relationship with that person. It is the same with God. When we sin against God, we wound God's heart. Sure, God has forgiven us. Yet, unless and until we acknowledge our sin, our relationship with God remains damaged. If we blithely or arrogantly refuse to acknowledge our sin, then we damage our relationship with God. It is only when we come humbly to God and acknowledge our sin is our relationship with God truly restored.

We sin many many times every day. We hurt many people and we hurt God. And it hurts so much when we refuse to acknowledge our offence. A loving parent would have immediately forgiven their child when the child offends them. But it hurts even more when the child stubbornly or defiantly refuses to acknowledge his wrongdoing or to apologise. And much as the parent may want to embrace their child, the child's stubbornness pushes the parent away. In order to restore relationships, we need to first be aware of our sin, and then to acknowledge our sin. 

Our heavenly Father longs to embrace us and to express His love to us. What draws us to Him is a humble and contrite heart that acknowledges our sinfulness.

REST

Father, thank you that no matter how badly we have sinned, you beckon us lovingly to you. We want to draw near to you and feel your love and your pleasure towards us. But Father, we ask that you will make us humble, to acknowledge our sinfulness, that we may come freely to you.

Amen.

Chiu Ming Li