Leviticus 4:1-2. “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the Lord concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:” IGNORANCE. A priest could say, “I didn’t know,”
But because of who he is he should stop and think; “Is this God’s will, would this be right? Should I go ahead, take this food or drink?” In order for priests to learn what not to do; There was a price to pay so that not again, Would they carelessly or without a thought, Claim ignorance for some personal sin. A bullock was the price he had to pay, For the ignorant act he never thought about. The next time a choice he was confronted with, He would take the time for some serious thought.
If the nation as one, made a sinful act, And didn’t seem to know what they did was wrong; Then they all had to come to the altar at once, And bring a bullock to be offered for them. The elders of the people, one by one, Would place their hands on the animal’s head. On behalf of all, this sinless beast, Would take their place and its blood was shed. The fat was burned on the altar for God, Then the bullock was burned outside the camp. The nation would learn as they watched that day, Ignorance is no excuse; sin has a consequence.
The ruler was to bring a young “he goat”, Because he, as a leader should know what is best. The things he does without a thought, Have damaging effects upon all the rest. The common man too, was without excuse When in ignorance, he would act in haste. He was responsible, though he didn’t know; So, a young “she goat” with no blemish Was the way he would learn that ignorance; Has a price tag too, that goes along with it. None of us can claim when wrong, it’s not my fault. Christ is for me, the only sacrifice that is fit.
“I know Father, that ignorance is no excuse for doing what is wrong. There are times that arise when I sense something is not right although I may not be exactly aware of what it is. Please give me understanding before some act continues too far to avoid the consequences. My mind sometimes overlooks the obvious. I want my mind to be open to what is right. I am asking for this, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Leviticus.4:29. “And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering in the place of the burnt offering.” THE OFFERING. Sin whether in ignorance or in choice, Has its demanded price. The sound of prick`ed conscience’s voice; Calls out for needed grace.
Where, who, what can alleviate the need Of acceptance and forgiveness true? Is there not one whom I can plead My wrong - repentance for the sin I rue?
Yes! God forever shall be praised;
He found for me the perfect Substitute; a spotless Lamb He raised In far and distant field - and fit.
Fit to satisfy God’s true demand; Fit to meet my need so great. Fit because, by His own hand He reached out on that Roman stake;
And thus, identified Himself so pure, With this low sinner, so defiled; And now with trembling hand, but sure I reach to Him – am reconciled.
“O Righteous God, who has bid us draw near and made us Thy children by faith in Jesus Christ: By faith I take this trembling hand and stretch it toward the place of holy acceptance. There is the One whom Thou hast seen as a fit Lamb, a Holy Substitute and He stretches His holy Head toward me. Me who am undone, unworthy, and an unlikely son – He, bless God, identifies Himself with me at that altar of holiness. My hand though trembling, has no place else to go but to that blessed Head and quivers at the touch, the reality of “being accepted in the Beloved.” I confess my sin, I groan at the sound of those words, and yet such blessed relief even at the sound of my own voice saying what needs to be said. The blood; O the blood that flowed – the life once given for ever, for all, for me, for God to accept such an undeserving sinner. A thousand times ten thousand thanks be to Thee from these lips that have been touched with a coal from off that altar – for the cleansing power of the blood. Amen.”