Leviticus 5:1-13 – Living a God-honouring life

Leviticus 5:1-13 is still dealing with the sin offering. These verses specified some attitudes and behaviors that a sin offering would be warranted. Firstly, verses 1-4 deal with what a witness to an offense must do. God expected every member of the community to be a responsible member. In the interest of justice and truth, anyone who was aware of a wrong committed was duty-bound to come forward and report the offense. Whether he had seen or heard about it, the witness had an obligation to make it known. God would not tolerate a passive, nonchalant attitude. Remember, the consequence of an individual’s sin could adversely affect the community. Hence a person who was aware of it was obliged to make known so that the sin could be dealt with. If he failed to do so, he would have committed an offense, and a sin offering had to be made. God wants communal responsibility.     

Secondly, other matters that required a sin offering include touching anything ceremonially unclean, from human to beast. Thirdly, like them, any false oath made by us is also offensive to God. The gravity of making a false declaration is a serious matter to God. He requires that we be accountable for the word we say and how we say it. He expects us to be truthful. Any falsehood must be dealt with and a sin offering must be made to restore one’s fellowship with God.

Knowing that the poor would not be able to afford an animal for the sin offering, God made provision for them in verses 7-10. They could bring two fowl - either two turtledoves or two pigeons. One would be offered as a sin offering and the other as a  burnt offering. Verses 11-13 tell us that for the very poor who could not even afford the fowl, they could bring “a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering.” Our God is very reasonable and compassionate.

As one who loves God, none of us should see the willingness of God to forgive to continue to live life nonchalantly. His graciousness towards us should propel us to be more circumspect concerning holy living. Sin is breaking trust with God and causes a breach in our fellowship with Him. It must be dealt with so that we can stay connected to God. John Piper has a list of interesting things that define sin. Here's is what he says: 

“Sin is the glory of God not honored. 

The holiness of God not reverenced.

The greatness of God not admired.

The power of God not praised. 

The truth of God not sought. 

The wisdom of God not esteemed. 

The beauty of God not treasured. 

The goodness of God not savored. 

The faithfulness of God not trusted. 

The commandments of God not obeyed. 

The justice of God not respected. 

The wrath of God not feared. 

The grace of God not cherished. 

The presence of God not prized. 

The person of God not loved. 

That is sin.”

Let us not take sin lightly so that we may honor God in our living!