Read Numbers 15:1-31
If you’ve spent any time studying in the Law of Moses, it seems that the rite of sacrifices comes up often. Have you ever found it curious that God used all these lovely aromas as a way of forgiving his people?
It wasn’t just burnt offerings of animals, but grain offerings, oil offerings, and now liquid wine offerings. These instructions are set to go into effect when the people reach their new land. Presumably, this will be a young crew of Israelites since none of the older ones who had been complaining would see the Promised Land.
Do you glean anything new from this reading? Since we don’t do sacrifices anymore, it’s hard to believe these verses speak to us anymore. But as with all Bible texts, they are the word of God, they reveal God’s character in some way, and the message is always exactly what we need.
What I see is again how much God wanted to be involved with his creation. He could have left them to fend for themselves in slavery under the Egyptians. He could have left them stranded in the desert when they groaned and moaned. He could have given up on them for never learning and repeating behaviors unpleasing to the LORD.
God never left his people. The sacrificial system was a means of keeping himself in the forefront of the people’s minds. With each sacrifice, there was an intentional interaction between God and man. These sacrificial rules were put in place so there would be no question of how to restore a relationship with God.
God was serious about this. He told Moses, “Since they have treated the Lord’s word with contempt and deliberately disobeyed his command, they must be completely cut off and suffer the punishment for their guilt.” How many people today continue to balk at God’s word and go their own way? I don’t think God has changed his mind on how he feels about being shown contempt and disrespect.
So what happens now that we don’t do these sacrifices? How do we get right with God and show him our devotion? That’s the question of the day, isn’t it? The answer is clear in Romans 3:22 which says, “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” The people entering the land of promise didn’t know Jesus. We don’t need the sacrifices because we have Jesus.
Jesus came became because God knew we were a sinful lot needing a Savior to sacrifice his life. Think of all the animals who have been spared because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross.
If you’ve ever wondered why God did this for us, Romans 3:26 says, “God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.” Take time today to reflect on how it feels that God reaches down for you.
Let’s pray. Lord, there is nothing more important to me than being in a right relationship with you. You are my number one, my everything. Thank you for how you have moved in my life to make me right in your sight. Forgive me for all my failings. Help me do a better job of living a devoted life to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
