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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise The Levitical offerings reveal the corruption and impurity that comes from sin, but they also reveal how much you want to restore me to full fellowship with you. I praise you today for the gracious provision of a way back from the slavery of sin. Through Christ, I have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Heb 10:10). Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the last two Levitical offerings: the purification (sin) offering and the reparation (guilt) offering. The purification offering dealt primarily with unintentional sin (the exception being an intentional sin of omission; Lev 5:1). Such sin brought guilt on the individual, and, in the case of the high priest or the congregation, brought guilt and its consequences on the entire nation. The blood of the offering was sprinkled to cleanse the impurity and atone for the sin. In cases of corporate guilt, the Holy Place itself had to be purified. This teaches me that sin not only defiles the individual who has sinned, but also defiles the place where you dwell. It also shows me that even unintentional sin has consequences—it incurs actual guilt and requires atonement. Today, Jesus is my purification offering. His blood is presently, actively cleansing and purifying me from all sin. When I become aware that I have committed a sin, I confess and forsake that sin. Jesus is then faithful and just to forgive my sin and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:7, 9). The reparation offering was made for sins that created a debt calling for compensation (e.g., improper use of your “holy things” or mistreatment of a fellow Israelite). Its purpose was to provide for the return of property plus compensation of 20% to the offended party. The sin could be unintentional (Lev 5:15) or deliberate (Lev 6:1–7). In the case of deliberate sin, forgiveness was only available to the one who admitted his guilt, repented of his sin and sought forgiveness and restoration. This teaches me that the way back into fellowship with you involves not only sincere repentance but also restitution. Today, although Jesus is my reparation offering, I am still responsible to confess my sin and make full restitution to those whom I have wronged. Reflection The fat (the best portion of the animal) and the blood (its life) were set apart for you alone. This teaches me that all life belongs to you, and that you deserve only the best I have to offer. Request Father, give me the courage to make full restitution for my sin. If I have taken something that did not belong to me, help me to humble myself to that person and make it right. Thanksgiving Thank you for the Levitical offerings! They help me understand and appreciate the spiritual significance of what Christ did for me on the cross. I dedicate my life to you today! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “What Offering Shall I Give” by Isaac Watts. Meditation Verse: Leviticus 4:31. |