How does understanding Leviticus 5:7 deepen our appreciation for God's mercy and justice? Setting the Scene: Approaching God with Sin - Leviticus opens with sacrifices that let sinners draw near without being destroyed. - 5:7 zooms in on people who sinned unintentionally yet lack resources for the regular lamb. The Provision in Leviticus 5:7 - “If he cannot afford a lamb, he must bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons…” (Leviticus 5:7) - One bird is offered as a sin offering, the other as a burnt offering, fully consuming both aspects of guilt and devotion. Mercy: God Meets Us Where We Are - No one is priced out of forgiveness; God scales the requirement to a person’s means. - Psalm 103:10: “He has not dealt with us according to our sins.” - The sliding scale continues later in the chapter to a tenth of an ephah of flour—proof that grace keeps lowering the bar while holiness stays intact. - Luke 2:24 shows Joseph and Mary bringing the very same bird offering, confirming God’s mercy reaches even humble households. Justice: Sin Still Requires Atonement - God does not dismiss sin; He demands a substitute. - Romans 3:26: God is “just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” - Even the least costly sacrifice involves blood (or life), reminding Israel that guilt has a real price. Christ Foreshadowed in the Pair of Birds - Two birds = two facets of Christ’s work • Sin offering: His death removes guilt (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Burnt offering: His perfect obedience rises wholly to God (Ephesians 5:2). - Hebrews 10:14: “By one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” - The poor worshiper is accepted on the basis of another’s life—exactly how we approach God through Jesus. Responding Today: Living in Gratitude - Recognize every sin, great or small, was costly—paid in full at the cross. - Extend mercy to others; God’s scale of compassion leaves no room for pride. - Worship with wholehearted devotion, remembering that justice and mercy kissed at Calvary (Psalm 85:10). |
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