Bible Pathways 02/04/05
February 4
Read Leviticus 9 - 10
In Today's Reading:
First offerings of Aaron; offerings for the people; sin and deaths of Nadab and Abihu; restrictions for the priesthood
The sin offering (Leviticus 6:24-30) and the trespass offering (5:6-7) were mandatory and were the first two offerings to be presented. They were required to restore the broken relationship between God and sinful man. Moses said to Aaron . . . offer your sin offering, and your burned offering, and make an atonement for yourself, and for the people (9:7).
And the LORD spoke to Moses . . . Speak to the children of Israel, saying, If a soul (person) shall sin through ignorance against any of the Commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them: If the priest that is anointed (placed in office) do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he has sinned, a young bullock without blemish to the LORD for a sin offering (4:1-4). Each sin offering also served as a reminder that an innocent animal died in the sinner's place. The animal's body was then taken outside the camp for burning (6:29; 10:17).
Disobedience to the will of God is sin and must be repented of and atoned for. Ignorance of the Law of God is not an excuse for sinning (Romans 2:12-16).
No animal could be an absolute substitute for a sinner; it could only provide a temporary covering for sin. Christ alone is our sin offering. God sent forth His Son, made (born) of a woman, made under the Law (Galatians 4:4). Jesus died in the sinner's place for the sins of all mankind. He (God) has made Him (Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (II Corinthians 5:21).
Christ is also our trespass offering. You, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has He quickened (made alive) together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances (commands) that was against us . . . and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross (Colossians 2:13-14), so that we have escaped the pollutions (corruptions) of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (II Peter 2:20).
Word Studies:
10:3 glorified = highly honored; 10:10 holy and unholy = sacred and profane; 10:13 thy due = yours legally; 10:14 heave shoulder = thigh.
Christ Revealed:
Through the sacrifice of a lamb without defect (Leviticus 9:3). The Lamb of God is Jesus who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for BP Staff: Rick Hash · Government Official: Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA) · Country: Latvia (3 million) eastern coast of Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe · Major languages: Latvian and Russian · Religious freedom · 20% Protestant; 20% Roman Catholic; 15% Russian Orthodox; 1% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord when you are oppressed (Psalm 102:8-13).
Optional Reading: Mark 7
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 5:5
