Wandering Sin

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Leviticus 4 Listen: (5:17) Read: Acts 1 Listen: (3:58)

Scripture Focus: Leviticus 4.1-3; 13-15

1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Say to the Israelites: ‘When anyone sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands— 3 “ ‘If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the Lord a young bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed.

13 “ ‘If the whole Israelite community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands, even though the community is unaware of the matter, when they realize their guilt 14 and the sin they committed becomes known, the assembly must bring a young bull as a sin offering and present it before the tent of meeting. 15 The elders of the community are to lay their hands on the bull’s head before the Lord, and the bull shall be slaughtered before the Lord.

Reflection: Wandering Sin

By John Tillman

“Unintentional” in this text comes from a root word meaning “wandering off,” similar to a sheep or other animal. The described sacrifices are not intended for willful, intentional acts of rebellion. “Wandering” or “unintentional” sins must be dealt with once one becomes aware of them, otherwise, they become “rebellious” sins.

The offerings for sin teach us that sins done by individuals affect all people and sins done by the community affect all individuals. The priest’s sin brings “guilt on all the people.” The community’s sin requires all individuals, represented by “the elders of the community,” to confess responsibility by placing their hands on the sacrifice. Adam’s individual sin affects us collectively. Our forefathers’ individual and communal sins affect us today. Our individual and collective sins affect our neighbors and will affect our children’s children.

Sin is not solely an individual matter, not solely a communal matter, not solely about earthly justice or penalties, and not solely about spiritual victories or theology.

Some sins more drastically affect our lives and others’ lives. These distinctions matter for earthly justice. It matters whether you call someone a fool or whether you murder them. (Matthew 5.21-22) It matters whether you look at someone lustfully or if you sexually violate them. (Matthew 5.27-29)

However, even “smaller” sins of contempt or verbal abuse or lustful eyes are bigger than we think. Your heart and the hearts of any who witness or experience these actions will be hardened and changed for the worse with every instance. The compounding interest of our individual investments in contempt has netted a world with the f-bomb frequently found on political tee-shirts, signs, and stickers. The algorithmically driven feeds of entertainment have learned from our wandering eyes and clicking fingers to normalize porn-adjacent content.

We don’t get to say, “I didn’t intend this” or “I didn’t do that.” (Matthew 23.29-35) We are connected to these sins and must confess them.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal unintentional “wandering” sins to you. Confess the collective sins of people you lead or of people who lead you and bring guilt on all their followers. Confess the unintentional sinful effects of things you have said, done, purchased, acquired, voted for, or condoned.

We have a better sacrifice than a bull and a better priest than Aaron. Lay your hands on him in faith and repentance and rejoice in his forgiveness. Do not allow wandering sins to become rebellious ones.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; wash me, and I shall be clean indeed. — Psalm 51.8

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more: Jesus, Our Grain Offering

Jesus is the bread, the grain, of life. He has offered himself for us and to us.

Read more: Jesus, Our Burnt Offering

The head of a family brought a burnt offering…God offered Jesus as a lamb on our behalf, to bring us into his family.

Sacrifices Celebrating Peace

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Leviticus 2-3 Listen: (4:43) Read: Luke 24 Listen: (6:16)

Scripture Focus: Leviticus 3.1-5

1 “If your offering is a fellowship offering, and you offer an animal from the herd, whether male or female, you are to present before the Lord an animal without defect. 2 You are to lay your hand on the head of your offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splash the blood against the sides of the altar. 3 From the fellowship offering you are to bring a food offering to the Lord: the internal organs and all the fat that is connected to them, 4 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which you will remove with the kidneys. 5 Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar on top of the burnt offering that is lying on the burning wood; it is a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord.

Reflection: Sacrifices Celebrating Peace

By John Tillman

“Fellowship offering” is translated as “peace offering” in other translations, such as the Revised Standard Version. The word translated “fellowship” is from the same root word that gives us “shalom” or “peace.”

Rather than to make peace with God, like sin or burnt offerings, peace offerings were celebratory. A burnt offering or sin offering was completely burned. With a peace offering, only a representative portion would be burned. The rest, rather than being consumed by the flames, would be consumed in a feast shared among the priests and family. Peace offerings celebrated being at peace with God and one’s community.

Regardless of what some “prophets” or “spiritual advisors” to politicians may say, there is no sacrifice in scripture that indebts God to the worshiper. There is no sacrifice forcing God to bless you, but there are many that celebrate blessings already given.

There were many reasons to give peace or fellowship offerings. (Levicitus 7.11-18)

Peace offerings expressed thankfulness. These offerings were in addition to sin offerings, or other offerings for special occasions. A peace offering could be made on any occasion of thankfulness to God.

Peace offerings completed a vow. Vows of many types might be made for religious reasons. In Acts, Paul joins men in vows at the Temple and pays their expenses for the vows, but we don’t know exactly what the vow involved. (Acts 21.22-26)

Peace offerings included “Freewill Offerings.” These offerings seem to be additional offerings for no other purpose than worship and fellowship.

Jesus made our sin offering himself therefore, in him, we have greater peace and fellowship to celebrate than Israel did. We should give greater “peace offerings.” Make space in your life, finances, and schedule for something like a “peace offering.”

How might you give or sacrifice in ways that celebrate the goodness, peace, and fellowship of God? What vows might you fulfill, or help fulfill, honoring the purposes of God? How might you give time and resources to serve or fund work that celebrates peace?

Whether financially, by labor, or by time, give and make sacrifices that establish or celebrate God’s peace. Give in ways that celebrate good things, bring about promised things, or do good just for the sake of joy and gladness. Give in thanksgiving that you have something from which to give. Give to fulfill avowed purposes of God. Give freely, without compulsion and expecting nothing in return.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting

You, O Lord, are gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger, and full of kindness and truth. — Psalm 86.15

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more: Priests of Life and Peace

As Christians and priests, may we maintain the new “covenant of life and peace” in Christ’s blood.

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The Breastplate and The Cross

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Exodus 39 Listen: (5:24) Read: Luke 21 Listen: (4:18)

Links for this weekend’s readings:

Read: Exodus 40 Listen: (4:07) Read: Luke 22 Listen: (7:58)
Read: Leviticus 1 Listen: (2:37) Read: Luke 23 Listen: (6:39)

Scripture Focus: Exodus 39.8-14

8 They fashioned the breastpiece—the work of a skilled craftsman. They made it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. 9 It was square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. 10 Then they mounted four rows of precious stones on it. The first row was carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; 11 the second row was turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; 12 the third row was jacinth, agate and amethyst; 13 the fourth row was topaz, onyx and jasper. They were mounted in gold filigree settings. 14 There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

Reflection: The Breastplate and The Cross

By John Tillman

Who is “near your heart?”

Westerners picture the heart as the seat of our emotions, identity, and self. When someone is near to our heart, their wellbeing is connected with ours. Our heart beats sympathetically with their sufferings. Our heart races with theirs in celebrations. Our heart aches for them when sin darkens their heart, turning them away from joy to bitterness, cynicism, anxiety, or abuse.

Most of scripture’s authors centered emotions in the bowels or diaphragm. We use these metaphors too, speaking about “gut feelings” or something “moving us” or “taking our breath away.”

Aaron’s jeweled breastplate covered his torso. The jewels represented Israel’s tribes. He bore the people near his heart. The breastplate was a tangible reminder of his task, to carry the people with him, representing them before God. Its weight reminded Aaron that he bore their sins and the responsibility to lead them towards righteousness. The gems reflected light from the lampstands in God’s presence, as Aaron and the people were to reflect God’s light to the world.

Who do you carry near your heart? Your spouse? Your family? Your friends and other loved ones? Carrying someone near to your heart is a priestly duty. But there is another wrinkle to our “priestly garments.”

Christ is our high priest, not Aaron. Christ’s holy of holies, where he made atonement was Calvary. Jesus bore no breastplate. He bore the cross for us while we were ungodly. He demonstrated love for us while we were sinners. He died for us while we were his enemies. He prayed, “Father forgive them” over his persecutors.

Our priestly duty goes beyond those for whom we already bear affection. (Luke 6.27-35) As priests under Christ, our enemies must also be on our hearts. We must bear the cross to love, sacrifice, pray for, and seek the good of our enemies as well as our loved ones.

Seeking an enemy’s good doesn’t mean seeking their success in doing evil. The greatest good we can seek for them is to know Christ and repent. Following that, we can pray that they “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly” (Micah 6.8) with God. Failing that, we can pray that their evil will fail to accomplish its purpose.

In your heart, set apart Christ as Lord (1 Peter 3.15) and carry all people, both loved ones and enemies, before him with heartfelt prayers.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; we bless you from the house of the Lord. — Psalm 118.26

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more: Garments of Peace — Guided Prayer

Aaron’s heart felt the weight of Jacob’s children…May our hearts be weighted with loving concern for our communities.

Read more: Enemies Becoming One People

When you even talk about loving your enemies, you can be called a traitor. “Don’t you understand how dangerous they are? You are enabling them!”

Counting God’s Plunder

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Exodus 38 Listen: (4:23) Read: Luke 20 Listen: (5:07)

Scripture Focus: Exodus 38.21

21 These are the amounts of the materials used for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the covenant law, which were recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest.

Reflection: Counting God’s Plunder

By John Tillman

Why is Ithamar’s account of gifts to the Tabernacle in the Bible? What’s holy about a spreadsheet?

Ithamar wasn’t crediting the people’s generosity. He was counting God’s plunder.

Israel didn’t mine gold for the Tabernacle. They didn’t purchase it or trade for it or find it in their desert wanderings. The Egyptians gave it to them.

As Pharaoh’s heart hardened, God softened ordinary Egyptians’ hearts toward their Israelite neighbors. Faith-filled Israelite women obeyed God and asked their Egyptian neighbors for silver, gold, and clothing. When Israelite women asked, Egyptians gave freely. God described this as “plundering” the Egyptians. God’s blessings passed through female hands. (Exodus 3.21-22)

In the film, The Princess Bride, the man in black pursues Vizzini and his captive princess. Vizzini accuses the man in black of “trying to kidnap what I have rightfully stolen.” Jesus described himself as a thief, tying up a “strong man” in order to plunder his house. In the Exodus, God proved himself stronger than all the Egyptian gods, tying them up with his plagues. Then he plundered Egypt, liberating both people and possessions. When God steals, he liberates that which does not belong to those who hold it. Christ kidnaps what Satan has rightfully stolen.

In Christ, we are liberated from a kingdom of darkness into a kingdom of light (Colossians 1.13) and gifted with blessings we did not earn. (2 Corinthians 8.9) What the world gives us is not from the world anymore than what the Egyptians gave the Israelites was from Egypt. Neither spiritual nor material blessings belong to us. They are God’s plunder.

When was the last time you accounted for the blessings, the plunder, of God? Like Ithamar, you may need a spreadsheet.

Accounts of God’s blessings often contain moments of actual accounting. Biblical authors regularly note the numerical facts of miraculous events in both the Old and New Testaments. The water jars that were turned to wine held up to thirty gallons. (John 2.6) Over 4,000 people were fed. (Matthew 15.38) 3,000 people were added to their number. (Acts 2.41)

You carry God’s plunder. Have you accounted for it? What are you doing with it? (Luke 19.13)

With God’s plunder, Israel built the Tabernacle—an embassy of Eden where the sovereignty of heaven overlapped and overruled the sovereignty of the world. Put God’s plunder to work as his ambassadors to the world. Make holy space from which God’s blessings flow to all nations and in which slaves can find freedom.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Hear, O my people, and I will admonish you: O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not worship a foreign god.
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and said, “Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.” — Psalm 81.8-10

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

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Read more: The Gospel Heist

What has sin taken? What traps you? Are you blind, deaf, or dumb? Lame, leprous, or lifeless? Jesus comes to steal you back and set you free.

Overshadowing as Mercy

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Exodus 37 Listen: (3:14) Read: Luke 19 Listen: (5:29)

Scripture Focus: Exodus 37:8-9

8 He made one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; at the two ends he made them of one piece with the cover. 9 The cherubim had their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the cover.

Reflection: Overshadowing as Mercy

By Erin Newton

To overshadow the ark is not to darken the mercy seat.

The cherubim stand facing inward, wings touching. The wings create a hedge along the edge of the ark’s lid. In protective fashion, the “overshadowing” cherubim stand in service to God, holding the space where his glory will dwell.

The cherubim have been in a protective stance before at Eden. When Adam and Eve sinned and were cast from the garden, the cherubim stood to guard the way to the tree of life (Gen 3:24).

But what needs protection on the ark? Are the wings to keep us out or God’s glory in?

Cherubim not only guard and protect, in another passage they spread their wings like a throne for God. He rules the world from atop the cherubim-carried throne (Ps 80:1).

Is the ark the throne of God? Or is it something to be guarded?

I think what you have in this image is both. Numbers 7 reveals how the voice of God would bellow forth from atop the ark instructing Moses. When God chose to dwell with his people, the cherubim overshadowed where his glory dwelled. They were a veil for those who were in his presence. For no one can see God and live (Exod 33:20). The tree of life was also where God had dwelled with his people. Now tainted with sin, it is God’s act of mercy to provide a veil to the tree and a veil around his glory. To eat of the tree of life while under the burden of sin would be a fate worse than death.

The surrounding wingspan of the cherubim also represents the throne of God. As he dwells among Moses and the people, it is on earth as it is in heaven. There is no place that God does not rule.

When we think about the cherubim guarding the tree and overshadowing the ark, it is tempting to focus on how much people were separate from God. But when we see the cherubim as providing a safe space for us to commune with God, the veil is an act of mercy.

Since the death of Christ, the veil has been removed. No longer is there a need for protection from God’s presence. Why? Because of the indwelling of his Spirit. We are one with Christ. We no longer need to fear the presence of God in our lives.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Morning Psalm

Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God and fall down before his footstool; he is the Holy One.
Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.
He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.
O Lord our God, you answered them indeed; you were a God who forgave them, yet punished them for their evil deeds.
Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God and worship him upon his holy hill; for the Lord our God is the Holy One. — Psalm 99.5-9

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more: At The Mercy Seat

Instead of a gold-covered lid, Christ’s mercy seat is a blood-soaked hilltop. Instead of hovering between angels’ wings, Jesus hung between two thieves.

Read more: Unveiled

Paul describes believers as those with “unveiled faces”…If Moses’ face glowed, ours should be incandescent.