Ready for Release

Based on Matthew 6-7, Psalm 23

"This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meat offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the peace offerings;" Leviticus 7:37.

We've talked about the qualifications for sacrifices. We've talked about the reasons for them by their specific offerings. Now it's time to see the laws which make this process complete so we can be ready for release from our sins!

"Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found, Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering." Leviticus 6:4‭-‬5.

Last time we focused mostly on sinning through ignorance, but of course there is the case of sinning willfully. First, the guilty person must restore that which had been lost, and then some. It is important to note that all these people had to willingly come forward to admit what they did wrong! Talk about having guts (and not just because they were bringing forth animal sacrifices)!

So, after the restoration came the offering of the sacrifice:

"And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord , a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord : and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein."
Leviticus 6:6‭-‬7.

Forgiven & free! I thank The Lord today that we can be ready for release through a simpler process-the process of being honest about our sin with Jesus & being willing to let Him intervene & change us into new creatures!

"Likewise this is the law of the trespass offering: it is most holy." Leviticus 7:1.

The reasons why these things were ultimately done were because of holiness & sanctification. If this wasn't the purpose & end result, the people would not be able to be completely released. We need to follow God's Word thoroughly if we are going to have a right relationship with Him!

"Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16.

God has so much patience & mercy with us. Although He knows we are not perfect, He gives us an awful lot of chances! People were always able to bring offerings, and God had specific procedures for each one to be sure we'd be obedient & true, ready for release.

This particular passage shows the grace & mercy God has upon us:

"And the flesh that toucheth any unclean thing shall not be eaten; it shall be burnt with fire: and as for the flesh, all that be clean shall eat thereof. But the soul that eateth of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, that pertain unto the Lord, having his uncleanness upon him, even that soul shall be cut off from his people." Leviticus 7:19‭-‬20.

While it can seem harsh, we need to look deeper! The flesh from the animal offering that touched anything unclean was burnt & destroyed, but the person (soul) who does this would be cut off from his people. Yes, it's an intense command, but that person would not have been destroyed. Somehow, God makes some way! Maybe that person could try to make things right down the road? Either way, God does everything He can to give us a better life. We just have to be ready for release of the past!

After studying the different laws for the different offerings in Matthew, we move on to Psalm 23. There are many different Psalms intermingled with the different books we've been reading, and they all give a refreshing look at God's character. God is serious about us being ready for release from sin, but that's just because He seriously loves us:

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalms 23:4.

He was with the Israelites, even when they sinned. He was with them through the offering & sacrificial process. He was with them in the release. And He is with us during each & every trial as well! His rod of discipline according to His Law keeps us in the protection of the pasture's gates, just like sheep. The staff gives us spiritual direction & wisdom & keeps us on the right path. All of these Laws are put in place to show how strong God's love is for us!

Are we ready for release? Are we ready for a refreshing change? Stick with The Good Shepherd & you'll get there! Jesus also places undershepherds in our lives-those people are called Pastors! Come and visit us soon to get the guidance and help needed to be ready for release; we have a Pastor who is ready & willing to help! I have to say the best choice I've made as a Mother is having a secure place (or pasture) for my family to reside!

Our Church: New Horizon Temple

2700 N Harlem Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707

Service Sundays: 11AM

Wednesday nights: 7PM

Many other services & special events scheduled throughout the year! Stay tuned & God bless!