January 30, 2024 - Leviticus 5-7

Old Testament scholars distinguish between “apodictic” law (absolutes, always in effect) and “casuistic” law (case law).  The Ten Commandments are examples of the former, that is, for example, it is always right to honor God, and it is always wrong to steal.  Here, in these chapters, are examples of casuistic law, that is, law that says, “If such and such happens, then this must be done.”  That is, God is telling Israel how to handle certain situations, for example:  “If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, . . . [he] will restore what he took by robbery (6:2-4).  Now, Moses is also given instructions regarding other various additional offerings:  sin offerings, burnt offerings, food offerings, guilt offerings, and peace offerings.  Lest we get lost in the details and lest we “miss the forest for the trees,” we must both acknowledge the rightness of all these instructions for Israel and the context for which they were given while remembering the main point.  The Lord says to Israel and to us:  “Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God”  (20:7) & “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15).  Oh, my goodness, we fall so short of this holiness every single day!  But let us strive toward the goal even as we remember we have received the righteousness of another:  “You are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30) & “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Arise, my soul, arise,

shake off thy guilty fears.

The bleeding Sacrifice

in my behalf appears.

Before the throne my Surety stands,

before the throne my Surety stands;

my name is written on His hands.   -- Charles Wesley (1742)