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LEVITICUS 4–6

Week 6, Day 4

The blood sacrifices of ancient Israel are usually offensive to our modern sensitivities. But they help us understand the seriousness of sin. Dietrich Bonhoeffer warned against “cheap grace”; all of us are susceptible to such a disposition, especially in a time when society seems to suggest that “anything goes.” Leviticus makes clear, by its system of sacrifices, that sin is an affront to God. This, even beyond what our misdeeds do to others and to our own bodies and psyches, is why we must treat sin seriously. Yes, Leviticus has something to teach us.

A lovely provision is made for those who are poor. “If you cannot afford a sheep, you shall bring to the LORD . . . two turtledoves or two pigeons” (5:7); and “if you cannot afford two turtledoves or two pigeons, you shall bring . . . one-tenth of an ephah of choice flour” (5:11). But while provision is made for economic limitations, everyone is expected to bring something. No one is exempt from the recognition of sin or from dealing with it.

What is our responsibility to the persons we may have harmed? When Israelites defrauded or deceived a neighbor, the Law required that they “repay the principal amount and . . . add one-fifth to it” (6:5); but then the guilty party must also bring to the priest a guilt offering to clear the soul before God. Our sins have both a horizontal and a vertical dimension; we deal with them before God and whatever injured party.

PRAYER: I am sometimes casual about the wrong I have done; thank you for reminding me of my blood-guilt; and save me, through your Son. Amen.

Why is it necessary to deal with sins that were committed “unintentionally”? In what sense is something a sin if it wasn’t intentional?