Law – Leviticus 4-6

Last week in our reading of Leviticus, we were introduced to 3 different kinds of offerings – burnt offering, cereal or grain offering and peace offering.  Today, we continue our look at another couple of offerings as we continue our journey through Leviticus.

I understand that there was some problem in reading last week’s blog post but the problem has been fixed now.  So if you need a quick refresher on Leviticus so far, you can just click on the following link to read last week’s posting:  Bible Blog Post on Leviticus 1-3

Bible Passage:  Leviticus 4-6

Sin Offering

Leviticus Chapter 4 starts off with Sin Offering.

The main purpose of the sin offering is for the redemption of sins committed unintentionally (Leviticus 4:2-13, Lev 4:22-27).

Sins committed unintentionally….

How many of us have ever given much thought to the sins that have been committed unintentionally?  I believe not many of us.  And I believe even fewer think about the unintentional sins committed by the Church as a whole.

And yet, here we read that “unintentional” sins are considered so serious that it warrants its own specific offering.

There are 2 major take aways for me for this:

Sins or wrongs, whether intentional or not intentional, is not just a personal thing.  They can, and often do, have a lasting impact on others.  Many a times, we are lulled to think that if something was a mistake, then there is no real guilt attached to it and there is no need to pay a price for your mistake.

“I’m sorry!”.  “I messed up!”

We imagine that just by saying it, all is forgiven.

But here in Leviticus, it shows us that even if sins are unintentional, it is damaging to the whole church and can affect the congregation’s relationship with God.  And that is why there is a need for everyone to make this congregational Sin Offering (Lev 4:13-14).

Next, what is interesting for me is that there are Sin Offerings for four different groups of people – the Priests, the Congregation, the Rulers and the Common People.  You will notice that the people bearing greater responsibilities have to make offerings of a higher value.

This signifies that those who hold greater responsibilities have greater influence, but will also have to bear greater consequences (Like 12:47-48).

But it also shows that everyone can and must play a part in this offering as different kinds of sacrifice are demanded – according to who they are.

Trespass Offering

This kind of offering is perhaps more familiar to us as it is for the redemption of all sorts of trespasses (transgression) (Leviticus 5:5-6, 19).  Different kinds of trespasses are mentioned here but what is clear from this offering is that one can see that God wants the believers to eliminate all sorts of sin committed in their daily lives and to reach the stage of ‘sanctification’ and ‘righteousness’ (1 Jn 3:7; 2 Thess 2:13).

And the fact that the flock, fine flour, birds, etc can be used as the offering shows that every man is able to offer the trespass offering and hence no man can give excuses for his iniquities.

This reminds me that we need to examine ourselves daily to see if we have committed any sins or trespasses, intentionally or unintentionally – and must be prepared to make the effort to come before the Lord in contrition and ask for His mercy and forgiveness.

I have a touching song on Offering to share today….