Morning Moments

Leviticus is one of those books that many Christians skip because they find it too confusing and difficult, but when we understand the book is all about WORSHIP, and that the sacrifices and offerings, the priests and Levites, the feasts and festivals are all about celebrating the wonder and worthiness of our God.

In the New Testament, the book of Hebrews chapter 10 focuses on the better sacrifice to which all the others pointed -

Hebrews [10:3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. [4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. [5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: [6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

Notice that in the Levitical system there was a constant reminder of sins because the system was only designed to atone or cover but not take away sins. Jesus came not only to forgive our sins, but to take them away! He remembers them no more!

The Levitical system was a constant reminder of man's broken relationship with God and his fellow man. God wanted man's failure to be ever before him (the offerer). In the New Covenant all that we can do is walk in praise for what Jesus has once and for all done to TAKE AWAY our sins, iniquities, trespasses. AND THIS IS THE CLINCHER - You and I never again have to live begging and pleading and continually remembering our sins, iniquities, and trespasses, for HE, JESUS, once and for all dealt with those things.

Well then, why "confess" our sins as we are told in First John 1:9? To "confess" simply means "to agree or say the same thing", so "if" we sin (as John says), we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous One, who indeed cleanses us from ALL sins. To confess is not to punish myself for my failure, but to praise God for His forgiveness.

As we begin to live like this, we find no place for criticism and condemnation, but rather encouragement and edification. May we learn the lesson well! Far too many of us spend our lives beating ourselves and beating others when in truth; Jesus took the beating for us all.

BLESSINGS!