Leviticus 4 describes the law of Sin Offerings. There are two very interesting observations in this law.

Firstly the sin offerings are divided into 4 different types for different people: the high priest, the congregation, the leaders, and the individual. The offering of the high priest is the most costly and elaborate, while the offering of the individual is the simplest. What does that tell you?

“Much is required from the person to whom much is given.”(Luke 12:48)

Thus, pastors and deacons of the Church must be careful with what we say and do as God expects us to be a good example. Indeed, one mistake we make may result in many followers making the same mistake. Thus, leaders and pastors, let us stay close to God so we do not cause big trouble. If we make a mistake, let us boldly correct it in the open to reduce the harm we have caused.

Secondly, whoever sinned, the offering would require the one who sinned to put his hand on the head of the sacrifice while it was killed. I suppose that would be a horrifying experience for anyone. Imagine an innocent animal was killed, and your hand was on it. You should be the one to be killed, not the animal. The animal died for you, in front of you, and your hand was touching it. You have a part in killing the animal. In fact, you are the killer.

The offering is designed to inflict a sense of guilt and gratitude. The guilt is for one’s sin, and the appreciation is for the ultimate sacrifice, our Lord Jesus Christ. Imagine the sinless Son of God died for our sins. Although we no longer have to perform such sacrifices, may the image of our Lord dying for us stay with us forever.

Let us come to the Lord to thank His sacrifice for us and ask Him to keep us in Him always so that we will not sin against Him.