Suggested Bible Reading: Leviticus 5-7
Devotional Thought:
In this section, there is a sudden change in emphasis. Prior to this, in dealing with the sin offering, the emphasis has been on the people who had sinned and on the animals sacrificed. Now, the focus changes to examples of sin that the sin offering covered. Four are mentioned. In addition to this, there is some emphasis put on the question of the ability of the person who sinned to provide a suitable sacrifice. The poverty of the individual who had sinned might necessitate his bringing something less than had been prescribed in the previous chapter. The lesson for the child of God today is not in relation to his or her material poverty but rather the immaturity or feebleness of his faith. It must be understood that the term “swearing” as used commonly today in the sense of bad language was not a feature of Jewish speech. The picture presented to us in this verse is a court scene. The person concerned is a witness as is stated plainly in the text. In the court, this individual is seen to be reluctant to testify to what he or she has seen or heard. This was to be regarded as sin. An example of this type of event is seen in the trial of the Lord Jesus. Matthew 26:63 states, “But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.” The Lord Jesus was being put under oath to give testimony. Until this happened, He was silent. To do other than answer under these conditions would have been wrong, so the Lord responded. The other three sins mentioned are (1) touching a dead animal, (2) touching an unclean person and (3) not keeping an oath. “And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing: And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.” (5:5-6) God knows our flesh is weak to stand against the selfishness of our sinful nature, and He has made a way for fellowship to be renewed. “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us…” (1 John 1:9)
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me to be honest about my sin and selfishness. Please help me to keep short sin accounts and embrace the forgiveness that comes from honest confession.
• Lord, thank you for your provision. Thank you for teaching us of your grace and mercy even under the time of the Law.
• Lord, please help me to show the same grace and mercy to those who would sin against me.