Highlights:
First offerings of Aaron; offerings for the people; sin and deaths of Nadab and Abihu; restrictions for the priesthood.
Verse for Today:
Moses said unto Aaron . . . offer thy Sin Offering, and thy Burnt Offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people (Lev. 9:7).The Sin Offering (4:1 — 5:13; 6:24-30) and the Trespass Offering (5:6-7; 7:1-10) were required to restore the broken relationship between God and sinful man and were the first two offerings to be presented.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the Commandments of the Lord . . . let him bring . . . a Sin Offering (4:1-4,22-23,27-28). Disobedience to the will of God is sin and must be repented of and atoned for. Ignorance of the Law of God does not excuse sinning (Rom. 2:12-16) since it is due to willful neglect of His Word. Each person brought his own animal to be offered upon the Altar for his sins.
With other offerings, the Israelite came as a worshiper; but when offering a Sin or Trespass Offering, he came confessing himself a sinner. The offerer placed his hand upon the head of the animal, symbolic of passing his sins to the innocent animal. The animal was then put to death instead of the sinner. The priest sprinkled the blood before the Lord, and the worshiper's sins were covered — but his sins were not removed until Christ offered one sacrifice (died on the cross) for sins forever (Heb. 10:10,12).
Christ is also our Trespass Offering. In the place where they kill the . . . Trespass Offering: and the blood thereof shall he sprinkle round about upon the Altar (Lev. 7:2). The offender was just as guilty for trespasses committed in ignorance. All who refuse to live according to the Bible will face the judgment of God. For if we sin willfully . . . there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins (Heb. 10:26).
The Lord Jesus not only presented Himself as a sacrifice to God for the sins of everyone who received Him as their Savior, but He also fulfilled the position of the priest, becoming our great High Priest who ever liveth to make intercession for us (7:25). Thus, He became both the Sacrifice for our sins and the Mediator between God and man (2:17; 4:15).
We have escaped the pollutions (corruptions) of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (II Pet. 2:20).
Thought for Today:
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee (Is. 26:3).
Christ Revealed:
Through the sacrifice of a lamb without blemish (Lev. 9:2-3). Behold the Lamb of God, which (who) taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Word Studies:
10:3 glorified =highly honored; 10:10 holy and unholy =sacred and profane; 10:13 thy due =yours legally; 10:14 heave (lift up before the Lord) shoulder =thigh.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Dorothy Johnson • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Country: Uganda (23 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Luganda • Religious freedom • 51% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 10% animist; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to lead you in all that you do (Matt. 6:13).
Optional Reading: Mark 7
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:2-4
