Tuesday 20 May 2014

Read: Leviticus 1:1-9

The more that we look at and understand the holiness of God the more that we realise that we are not holy. God is entirely separate from sin and yet we are mixed up with it every single day. Even when we don't realise we are sinning the claws of sin have worked their way so deeply into our hearts and minds that it affects everything we do. This leads us to one of the biggest questions in the whole Bible: how can an unholy people possibly have a relationship with a holy God?

The answer is simple. They can't. Without some kind of method for dealing with the sin of an unholy people there is no way that a holy God can interact with them. Thankfully God graciously provides a method for dealing with sin so that we can be restored to relationship with Him.

Worship Moment

The sacrificial system emphasises to us just how holy our God is. Take some time today to praise Him for His Holiness.

Here in Leviticus 1 we see God describing this method. The Israelites are to take a bull without defect to the entrance of the tabernacle. Putting his hand on the head of the bull he is to slaughter the bull before God. The purpose of this bloody sacrifice is shown in verse 4: "...it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him." What do these sacrifices accomplish?

Firstly, the sacrifice graphically and tangibly shows to the sinner the true consequence and severity of His sin. As he sees the blood of the sacrifice spilled for his sin he is reminded that it should be his blood that is spilled. As the animal is killed for his sin he is reminded that he should have died for his actions. The sacrifice shows the true nature of sin against a Holy God.

Secondly, the sacrifice temporarily deals with sin and allows the sinner to remain in relationship with the Holy God. This is not dealing with sin by some work of the sinner. This is purely God's grace at work. God Himself provides the method for dealing with sin and God Himself accepts the sacrifice as sufficient to deal with the sin. We see that the only way for people to be made right with God is through a sacrifice to deal with sin.

Thirdly, the animal dies as a sacrifice on behalf of the sinner. The sins of the sinner are imputed (passed over to) the animal so that the death of the animal substitutes for the death that the sinner deserves. The benefits of the sacrifice are imputed (passed over to) the sinner so that he can remain in relationship with God.

Finally, as can be seen from the above three points, the sacrifices point forward to the ultimate sacrifice which God shall provide for mankind, His son Jesus Christ. Through this ultimate sacrifice God will deal with sin forever and reconcile His people to himself. Only through this sacrifice can an unholy people have a relationship with a holy God.

Discussion Questions for families and groups

1. Can you explain how the sacrificial system points to Christ?
2. What are the differences between Christ's sacrifice and the sacrificial offerings?
3. What sacrifices does the New Testament Christian offer to God? Hint, there are at least 4.

Prayer:

Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.

Adoration:

Confession:

Thanks:

Supplication:

• Thank God that He has provided a way for us to be made right with Him. Praise Him for His grace and kindness in providing for us the perfect sacrifice through Christ Jesus. Pray that He would give opportunities to share this with others today.
• Pray for the Committee of Management in your church. Pray that God would give them wisdom and insight as they seek to make decisions about the ministry of the church. Pray that they would be filled with a passion and desire to reach the lost.