“You shall have one law for him who does anything unintentionally, for him who is native among the people of Israel and for the stranger who sojourns among them. But the person who does anything with a high hand, whether he is native or a sojourner, reviles the LORD, and that person shall be cut off from among his people. Because he has despised the word of the LORD and has broken his commandment, that person shall be utterly cut off; his iniquity shall be on him.” Numbers 15:29-31
I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 15:22-31 - where God gives Moses instructions for the people to atone for unintentional sin. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Believers should understand that since the Fall (Genesis 3), when sin entered the world, all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8). Sin is both intentional (v30) (or via commission) and unintentional (omission), yet both are sins and all sin disappoints God, creates separation between us and God, and only Jesus can forgive us and save us from sin, restoring and reconciling us back to Him. Here in the text today, God gives Moses instructions for how to atone for unintentional sin. Through Jesus we not only have forgiveness of sin, but also freedom from sin as He works through us to mold us into more of His image - sanctification. We are a new creation and no longer defined by our sin.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Before Jesus, the people, as the text describes, had to make sacrifices through the priest to atone for sin. Now, with Jesus, we approach Him directly and with confidence - Hebrews 4:16.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid willful and intentional sin. Claim the promise that we can approach Him directly and He forgives and saves...and molds us into more of His image. Claim God's mercies that never cease and are new every morning. God to God daily and allow Him to work in and through You.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, forgives, and saves. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love and save! My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
