Daily Reading: Leviticus 5
Scripture Focus: But if he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall bring to the Lord as his compensation for the sin that he has committed... (Leviticus 5.7a)
Devotional Thought: Often when my wife and I invite someone for dinner at our house, we are asked the question, "What can I bring?" When asked, we typically say, "Just bring yourselves!" People don't like that though. They want to bring something to contribute. We recognize that, for we do the same thing when we receive invitations.
God recognized that, too, for in Leviticus 5, he made provision for people to bring things for the sin offerings at the tabernacle. Worshipers of God, however, have varying abilities and resources. Some could bring lambs, but others could only afford turtledoves and pigeons. These could be purchased or caught in nets. There were some who did not have even that to bring. God said, "Just bring a bit of flour."
God bends over backwards to make a way for all of us. Lack of money is not to be a hindrance to our receiving forgiveness.
In the New Testament, we find Jesus looking at the temple treasury when a poor widow dropped in two pennies. Though her gift was not as big as those brought by well-to-do worshipers, she wanted to do something. Jesus surprised his disciples when he told them that her gift was actually bigger than what had been presented by those with great resources. Giving "all she had to live on," she basically gave herself.
And that is the key. No gift is big enough to buy God. What God wants is our complete trust. We just need to bring ourselves, to give ourselves completely. In his famous hymn, Rock of Ages, Augustus Toplady penned these words: "Nothing in my hands I bring. Simply to Thy cross I cling."
Do you need forgiveness of sins? Just bring yourself.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus that you paid the price for our sins. You have invited us to the table of life, to feast with you. We want to bring something, Lord, but all we have is ourselves. Here we are, Lord. We are yours. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 7 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 8 He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, 9 the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac, 10 which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, 11 saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance." 12 When they were few in number, of little account, and sojourners in it, 13 wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, 14 he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, 15 saying, "Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!" (Psalms 105:7-15)
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