As with Chapter 21, priests need to live under strict conditions in order to be able to minister between God and man.

Offerings need to the be the firstborn, without blemish, for it to be acceptable. The conditions and the process needs to be perfect as well. Is God being unreasonable? Perhaps. But because of God’s perfect nature, this is the only way.

Clean and unclean – this is clear from the beginning. You cannot make an unclean thing clean by adding something clean to it. On the other hand, a clean thing becomes unclean when something unclean is added to it. Same with perfect and imperfect. Perfect + Imperfect is Imperfect.

To make something clean, there needs to be a sacrifice of blood from a clean thing. And 2000 years ago, the ultimate sacrifice as made.

1. Everyone needs a savior

I think everyone, even at least once in their lives, has experienced or will experience some great tragedy, pain, sadness, discouragement, or sorrow. It could be a one time event or could be a prevalent situation. Whatever it is, it’s something really bad – the lowest of the low – that they can no longer help themselves, they will need a savior. People who know God, or at least know about God, will call to Him – and will get to experience His great saving power. People who don’t will trust man, or man-made ideologies. In the end, I believe, everyone will know the truth.

2. Give credit where credit is due

Nobody likes to help an ungrateful person. Or someone who brags about something he did not do. Have you met someone like that? Annoying, right? How many times are we, as Christians, like that with God? God has created us, redeemed us and blesses us daily. Give Him credit, not just privately in your prayers, but also publicly! The world needs to know His goodness, and mercy, and grace and power.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1 ESV)

Now read that again slowly. Anyone. Any transgression. You. Should. Restore. Spirit of Gentleness. Keep watch.

May we be faithful in doing our part in the restoration of our brothers and sisters to God – as led first by example by Jesus, then through the Holy Spirit in us.

Verse 2 continues this thought with “bear one another’s burdens” – as this fulfills the law of Christ that we love one another.

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:7-9 ESV)

We reap what we sow. In due time. Don’t give up!

Today was just one of those days when, after doing something, I realize or I feel that I could have handled the situation better. My words, my actions, my timing.. Only time will tell if God answers my prayer to redeem my weaknesses today with His grace.

“In that day, the Lord…”

Great to have something to look forward to!

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)

How do I stay on the path of righteousness? First is acknowledging that it is impossible without the step by step guiding of the Holy Spirit. Second is related to the first, to keep my mind on God. To seek Him and His righteousness.

“My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you.” (Isaiah 26:9a ESV)