The sin offerings outlined in Leviticus 4-5 were used to deal with that general sense of ‘falling short’ that is an unavoidable part of being human. John says that, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Since we are broken people, it is inevitable that all our thoughts, attitudes and actions are going to be tainted to some extent. I’m sure you know that feeling of failure; that general sense that you are not what you should be. That awareness is probably also accompanied by the feeling that you are unacceptable to God. This is the problem that these sin offerings are speaking to. Note here in chapter 5 how provision is made for all kinds of people. If a person could not offer a lamb, they could bring two doves or pigeons, and if they could not afford these, they could just bring a bit of flour. In other words, God wanted everyone to be able to come and no one to be barred because of their inability to bring an offering. The fact is, in a literal sense, we are all unable to bring anything to God for our sin. But God has made provision for our spiritual poverty. He has provided the lamb for us. In other words, you don’t need to bring anything to God to be made right and acceptable in his sight, not even a bit of flour! Your debt is paid in full by Jesus and you are accepted by God.
Ask for God’s mercy in Christ and pray to God like one who is fully accepted.
Read Leviticus 5:1-13.
