Sunday, June 2, 2013
TEXT: LEVITICUS 4:27-35
“And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and be guilty; And if he bring a lamb for a sin offering, he shall bring it a female without blemish” (Leviticus 4:27,32).
Helen Keller never went to church during her early childhood. Deaf, dumb and blind, she did not learn the story of the love of God in Christ until she was taken to Philips Brooks for religious instruction. The great preacher told her in the simplest possible language, how God had sent Jesus to teach us His will, show us His love and make Himself known to humanity. The face of Miss Keller lightened up as she spelled into the hands of her interpreter, “I knew all the time there must be one like that but I didn’t know His name.”
God frowns at sin even when it is committed in ignorance of His commandments as laid down in the Holy Bible. Little wonder therefore David asked, “wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9). To be sure that he does not sin ignorantly, he decided: “thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). Hence, extra caution should be taken to ensure that we daily live to please God.
In our text, the remedy for sin is the killing of a female lamb without blemish. Before the sacrifice is made however, there must be a real acknowledgment of the sin, and its repudiation. The standard of God’s word still remains the same today. Repentance remains the only way of receiving God’s pardon and mercy.
Whoever thinks that the Almighty God winks at sin, knows nothing about the severity of God. “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).
Thought for the Day : Ignorance is no excuse before God.