In the case of all sacrifices it was required that the one
offering the sacrifice lay their hands on the head of the animal. In that way the sins of the person were
considered transferred to the animal who was otherwise innocent, that was the
reason the animal had to be perfect, without blemish, sin was costly. Everything afterwards has to be cleaned as it
is stained by the sin offering. The
nation was to be holy and sin caused that holiness to be lost. Sin taints everything, even the tabernacle
and the altars on which the animals are sacrificed. That awareness of sin needs to be part of our
life. We have the righteousness of
Jesus’ sacrifice but that does not relieve us from dealing with sin in our
lives. We remain in the flesh and the
flesh continues to be a problem for us even when we have the Spirit. Sin requires ruthless attention.
Jesus links our forgiveness for sin with our willingness to
forgive others. It is a difficult thing
to forgive when someone has horribly wronged us and yet our forgiveness by God
is predicated on our doing just that.
Jesus’ prayer from the cross was for the Father to forgive those who
crucified Him and for those whose taunts filled the air that day as He hung on
the cross. We need the mind of Christ to
forgive and to do that other thing He commands, love our enemies. The law required sacrifices in order to
receive forgiveness, the benefit of that system is that the sinner knew that
he/she was forgiven when the priest accepted the sacrifice and the ritual was
complete. Jesus says that if we are the
kind of people who forgive others we will know that our own sins are
forgiven. The sacrifice we offer to
receive forgiveness is laying down our grievances against others. That is tough stuff sometimes but our own
forgiveness from the Father is conditional on that offering.
If you were sure the day of the Lord was tomorrow, how would
that change the way you live today? Paul
says it shouldn’t matter because we should be pursuing a holy life anyway. If, however, you are like me, there are some
things that would likely change. I would
waste less time roaming the internet for humor and political news, probably
watch less ESPN, and spend more time in the Word, in prayer, and with those I
love, both family and friends. I would
also be more likely to let go of some things in my life like those grievances I
have against others who have wronged me.
I might become more like the person Jesus wants me to be because I would
have my priorities right.
Come, holy Comforter,
thy sacred witness bear
in this glad hour.
thou who almighty art,
now rule in every heart,
and ne'er from us depart,
Spirit of power!
thy sacred witness bear
in this glad hour.
thou who almighty art,
now rule in every heart,
and ne'er from us depart,
Spirit of power!
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